News
FG to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Electronically
FG to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Electronically
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government is moving to tackle cross-border banditry and irregular migration with the deployment of automated border management solutions across the vast borders in the country.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja after inspecting the e-border management centre as well as the Command and Control Centre for the electronic gates at the airports.
The Minister said while the e-Border project was over 60 percent completed, the e-Gates Command and Control Centre is now 100 percent completed and awaiting commissioning by President Bola Tinubu. Both centres are domiciled in the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS Headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing Journalists after the inspection, the Minister said: “On the border management solutions, we have gone very far. At the moment, I think we have done 60 percent in terms of deployment because what we saw the other time had to do with the air border solution, which is the Command and Control Centre, the e-Gates that we have. But we are not just talking about air borders or airports, we are also talking about our land borders and even the land borders as we know are more porous – both land and sea borders.
“What we are doing now is automating the whole surveillance system in our border space and real time, we can view a lot of our borders at this moment and I won’t want to disclose more. But the simple truth is we are automating the whole process and I think by October, the Phase 1 of the whole border surveillance system would have been completed and from here we can view, see kilometres away from the border before people even come into Nigeria.
“Also, there is a solution that enables people in the border areas to communicate directly if there is emergency. They can report issues and there are solutions as to how we just don’t take their reports or complaints but that we can swing into actions.
“We want to make our borders as interactive and safe as possible because in the larger perspective, the belief of Mr President is that a secure border is a secure nation. So, securing our border is very key in terms of securing our nation and the administration of President Bola Tinubu is not leaving any stone unturned in the quest of making Nigeria a safe country for people to be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.
“But I can tell you, anyone who thinks that he can perpetrate illegality within our border space should be prepared for the consequences. We are renewing the hopes of Nigerians in all areas of life. This is just Phase 1 and we will soon start Phase 2. We will do it in such a way that the entire 4,447 kilometres of Nigeria’s border is secured. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. We have started now and we are not going back until Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed”.
The Minister said on the commissioning of Command and Control Centre for the e-Gates, that the project was already completed and would soon be commissioned.
He revealed that: “We are waiting for Mr President. We have already notified the president and I am happy that the media have seen the place and you know it is 100 percent ready to go”, he stated.
On her part, Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap said the officers and men are well motivated and currently undergoing extensive trainings on the e-solutions.
She said: “We are over 60 percent gone with regard to the border management solutions and our officers and men are also being trained currently. We are ready and our officers are well motivated”, she said.
The CGIS explained that the border communities have been sensitized on how to collaborate with the service, adding that the NIS has opened a communication line with the communities in order to be able to get relevant information from them.
FG to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Electronically
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits attacked the Ruga Fulani settlement in Iburu Village, Kajuru LGA, on the night of April 18, 2025, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man and the kidnapping of several individuals.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 10:20 PM when the bandits opened fire on the residents. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu, who was shot in the chest, was rushed to the General Hospital in Kajuru but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
The family of the deceased requested that his body be released for burial according to Islamic rites without a post-mortem examination.
Efforts are underway by security agencies, to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have restored normalcy to Tse-Ukough village in Baye-Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area following a violent clash between a Tiv farmer and a Fulani herder that left both men severely injured.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday morning at about 10:30 a.m. and was triggered by a disagreement over the use of a local well.
Ushahemba Usula, a Tiv farmer, was molding blocks beside his well when a herder, Saleh Hassan, reportedly brought his cattle to drink from the same water source. Ushahemba objected, stating that the well was meant for drinking water, and asked Saleh to move his cattle away.
The argument escalated, leading Saleh to allegedly attack Ushahemba with a cutlass, inflicting deep wounds on his head and hand. In retaliation, Ushahemba reportedly overpowered Saleh, seized the cutlass, and struck him, severing his hand.
Both individuals sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, for emergency treatment.
The confrontation heightened tensions between the Tiv and Fulani communities in the area, raising fears of a possible communal conflict.
However, combined troops deployed to the scene successfully restored calm and are currently conducting confidence-building patrols to prevent further escalation.
Security urged both communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace.
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Bandit Attack in Kajuru LGA Leaves One Dead, Several Kidnapped
Security forces Restore Calm After Farmer–Herder Clash in Guma, Benue
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