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Immigration, Customs, Police, Others Meet to Strategize on Ending Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea
Immigration, Customs, Police, Others Meet to Strategize on Ending Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other international security organisations are currently in talks on strategic moves to combat terrorism and other criminal activities on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
Speaking in Lagos at the opening ceremony of ongoing Regional Workshop on Maritime Border security organised by the NIS on Tuesday, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap said the workshop emphasizes the collective resolve of governments in West and Central Africa to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes.
Nandap also noted that the Atlantic coast of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly near Nigeria, is notorious for piracy and other maritime crimes.
At the workshop themed: “Maritime Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea.” the NIS boss stated that maritime insecurity from illegal oil bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes is threatening vessel and crew safety, adding that these threats undermine regional stability and hinder economic growth and integration.
She said: “The theme of this Workshop, Maritime Border Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea, is apt and timely in evaluating and rethinking security under the present circumstances of evolving maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
“In addition, the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff meeting was held in Praia, Cabo Verde, from February 25 to 27, 2025, to discuss critical maritime security issues in the region.
“This Workshop further emphasizes our collective resolve to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes. We aim to achieve this through sound policies, capacity building, community engagement, collaboration, and regional partnerships.
“Along West Africa’s Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Guinea is known for piracy, especially near Nigeria. It spans several countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, and Ghana. Due to its offshore oil and gas reserves, the region plays a crucial role in the global energy sector. Beyond oil and gas, harnessing the economic potential of the GoG resonates with Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want, and the 2050 African Integrated Marine Strategy, Policy Framework, and Reform strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa. However, maritime insecurity from illegal oil bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes threaten vessel and crew safety.
“These threats undermine regional stability and hinder economic growth and integration. And this is the reason why we are gathered here today to find actionable solutions.
“As the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, I know the urgent priority of innovating countermeasures by deploying advanced surveillance systems and communication technologies for early detection and response.
“Mitigating maritime threats in this vital region requires a broad spectrum of initiatives, not limited to international collaboration but fortifying defence capabilities in the marine domain. The NIS plays a pivotal role in maritime border security while ensuring that foreign terrorist fighters and other criminal elements do not exploit our territorial integrity.
“Passenger facilitation and control of travel documents are the root of all counter-terrorist interventions. We will continue to prioritize cooperation, professionalism, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in the surveillance and management of our borders.
“Our gathering shows our commitment to AIMS 2050 and ECOWAS’s Gulf of Guinea strategy. We aim to create a peaceful maritime environment to maximize blue economy potential and achieve social, environmental, and economic goals in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigeria Immigration Service is dedicated to utilizing API/PNR for better intelligence sharing and strengthen maritime security though robust visa administration where applicable.
“We recognize its benefits for air-border security and will expand our Border Management Information System (BMIS) to marine frontiers to counter international threats in the GoG.
“Our threats are transnational, and so must be our response. No agency or government involved in border security and migration management can operate independently. The NIS is committed to collaborating with regional and global partners to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration at sea without compromising security.
“Let us conclude this workshop with clear action plans, stronger partnerships, and a renewed determination to secure the Gulf of Guinea for prosperity and peace.”
As the Nigeria Immigration Service and its sister agencies await the compendium of good practices from the workshop, it is envisaged that the compilation should focus on strengthening cooperation among states, adhering to relevant international conventions and protocols, establishing joint task forces and intelligence fusion centres, building capacity, and deployment of advance technology as outlined in the Yaounde Code of Conduct 2013 and the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Similarly, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the need to close existing gaps in the country’s financial system, noting that terrorists have exploited these loopholes to fund their activities.
Speaking to journalists at the workshop, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed that the Police have finalized plans to strengthen marine security operations.
On his part, the minister for interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the event opened, appreciated the NIS for taking the lead in the needed move to review the country’s border strategic policy. He emphasized the importance of border security in the general wellbeing of Nigerians, while reiterating the readiness of the federal government to take difficult decisions in protecting the Nigerian border.
The gathering has in attendance, security and intelligence agent from Italy, Philippines, Mauritius, Togo, Britain, Cameroun, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Seirra leone, Sao Tome, Germany and Denmark.
Immigration, Customs, Police, Others Meet to Strategize on Ending Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it has no agents for modification of data and that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.
The Commission made the announcement on Monday in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been drawn to a media report alleging that some enrolment agents in Abuja are collecting money from applicants for falsification of dates of birth.
“For the records, all NIN data modifications are done online through the NIMC self-service modification portal – selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng – and no physical modification is allowed. NIMC does not have agents for modification of data and the Commission operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.
“The public is hereby reminded to adhere to the approved statutory modification processes with official guidelines and fees. The Commission urge NIN holders to report any cases of extortion or misconduct through our official complaint channels:
(+234-9-134959433, 08155015388); actu@nimc.gov.ng; ieu@nimc.gov.ng
“NIMC reassures that the integrity of the National Identity Database remains secure and will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.”
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
News
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
By: Michael Mike
Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that signals the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.
The centre, jointly facilitated by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected not only to curb harmful vehicular emissions but also to generate employment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.
Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.
He said: “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”
He emphasized that the project aligns with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.
“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as is applicable globally,” Kambari added.
The event also highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari said: “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who… worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the Centre.”
Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that political will and collaboration were central to the project’s success.
She said: “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day… The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.”
She further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stating that: “This Centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”
Speaking for the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman underscored the socio-economic potential of the centre.
He said: “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state,” adding that: “To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
The Adara Development Association (ADA) has expressed deep shock and sadness over a deadly attack by unknown gunmen on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.
According to a statement by the ADA National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, heavily armed attackers invaded the village, blocking entrance routes to prevent possible assistance from neighbouring communities.
The assault left eight people dead and nine others seriously injured. Victims were reportedly given mass burial, while the injured are receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Alheri Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Kachia. Several properties, including a bus, were destroyed, causing millions of naira in losses.
The association noted that such attacks have become increasingly frequent in Adara communities since, despite the presence of security in the area. ADA strongly condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.
“ADA leadership calls on the Kaduna State Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.
It added that the Adara community is ready to collaborate with government and security agencies to curb the ongoing attacks.
The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
ADA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all indigenes and residents of Adara land to work with government and stakeholders to build sustainable peace in the region.
The Kaduna state government are yet to visit the affected communities or make any statement on the attack.
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
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