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IOM Says Plans Underway to Encourage Skilled Nigerians to Stay Back to Develop Their Homeland

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IOM Says Plans Underway to Encourage Skilled Nigerians to Stay Back to Develop Their Homeland

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has promised to continue deepening cooperation with Nigeria to tackle issues about irregular migration, stating that plans are underway to encourage people with skills to stay in the country and assist in its development instead of taking a walk out in search of the Golden Fleece.

The IOM Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the “End of Year” media briefing of the organisation.

The event, according to him, was designed to commemorate the International Migrant Day with the theme:”Act today for better future.”

He noted that the briefing has become important to promote discussion on issues about migration management, crisis response, internal-displacement, counter-trafficking, climate change and trending topics in specialised areas of humanitarian intervention.

De Boeck said: “We are reinforcing our cooperation with the Federal and the State levels, for answering characteristics of migration level and for achieving good reception in the country.

“Thanks to the fact that the country is in global compact on migration.

“There is a network on migration among various ministries, which will help us to comprehensively promote involvement of different MDAS on the team of migration.

“This is key for us to ensure that the Federal level and State level have the response level aligned to the national policies and frameworks.”

He said although the organisation currently operate in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, it would expand its frontiers to tackle issues about displaced population.

The IOM Head disclosed that measures had been put in place to help displaced population and affected communities, as well as to establish peace and reconciliation processes there.

De Boeck said the year 2023 has witnessed unprecedented increases in global migration, propelled by factors such as climate change, conflict, and economic disparities.

He said: “In the face of this complex landscape, our responsibility to respond critically and compassionately is more crucial than ever, particularly for the individuals directly affected.”

He added that: “In the realm of Migration Health, our efforts in 2023 have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to comprehensive healthcare. We conducted over 260,000 Pre-Departure Medical Health Assessments (PDMHAs), diagnosed and referred 166 migrants with TB, administered 15,000 vaccine doses, and renovated three public hospitals. This reflects our dedication to ensuring the well-being of those undertaking the journey of migration.

“Through collaborating closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the voluntary return of 4,431 Nigerians, with 2,909 finding accommodation at the Migrant Transit Centre. Since 2017, a total of 34,158 migrants have returned, and 2,853 have received reintegration assistance, contributing to a grand total of 21,713 reintegrated since 2017. Our support extends beyond mere return, with the establishment of reintegration hubs and the implementation of community-based reintegration projects, providing crucial assistance to returnees and their communities.”

He equally added that: “IOM’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services have been instrumental in reaching 106,947 individuals in 2023.

“These services offer material assistance, psychosocial support, and referral services to victims of trafficking, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households, underscoring our commitment to holistic support.
In our unwavering dedication to protection, IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking in 2023. Our focus on vulnerable groups, including survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children, is reflected in the development of policy documents such as Family Tracing SOPs and BIP guidelines.”

He advised that: “On this International Migrants Day, let us work hand in hand to harness the power of migration, recognizing that every person can make a difference and be an agent of positive change. Our collective actions today will shape a brighter and more inclusive future.”

IOM Says Plans Underway to Encourage Skilled Nigerians to Stay Back to Develop Their Homeland

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Several terrorists killed as Air Force destroys enclave in Sambisa Forest air strike

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Several terrorists killed as Air Force destroys enclave in Sambisa Forest air strike

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated several terrorists following a precision air interdiction mission conducted on a known terrorist enclave at Yuwe in the Sambisa Forest general area.

Military sources said the operation was carried out on April 19 at about 5:45 p.m. by the Phantom Formation in collaboration with the Grey Raptor platform in support of battlefield air interdiction operations.

The mission, was launched following credible intelligence and confirmatory intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) that revealed active terrorist presence and fortified structures, including suspected bunkers within the area.

Upon arrival over the target location in the Sambisa Forest axis of Sambisa Forest, the air crew identified designated targets and engaged them with precision munitions.

Security sources said the strike successfully destroyed multiple terrorist logistics structures, including shelters and operational hideouts, while several terrorists were killed in the attack.

The operation is part of sustained air and ground offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their supply chains, and denying them freedom of movement within the theatre of operations.

Military high command reiterated that ongoing joint operations are designed to maintain pressure on terrorist elements and ensure the gradual restoration of stability across affected areas.

They further assured that intelligence-led air strikes will continue in coordination with ground forces to dismantle remaining terrorist networks and enclaves.

Several terrorists killed as Air Force destroys enclave in Sambisa Forest air strike

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One killed by Fulani bandit in isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Plateau

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One killed by Fulani bandit in isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

A 32-year-old man, identified as Mr Gideon Luka from Mangu but resident in Sabon Gida, has been killed in an isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Gyel District of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Operation Steadfast Peace (OPEP) were alerted to the incident and swiftly mobilised to the scene, where the victim was discovered with machete injuries on the forehead and stomach.

According to an eyewitness, Mr Dogara Peter, who was with the deceased before the incident, the attack occurred on April 19 at about 7:00 p.m. when both men were riding on a motorcycle from Sabon Gida to SOT area in Gyel District.

The eyewitness said they were ambushed near Sabon Gida Primary School by two unidentified youths, one of whom was reportedly armed with a stick.

He explained that he managed to escape during the attack and initially believed his companion had also fled the scene.

However, residents later launched a search in the early hours of the morning and discovered the victim’s body.

Security sources confirmed that the victim was evacuated for assessment, while troops extended condolences to the family and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

They added that preliminary investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

One killed by Fulani bandit in isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Plateau

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.

The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.

Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.

According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.

Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.

Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.

One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

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