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NHRC Elects Member of Governing Board of Global Alliance in Geneva to Represent African Contenent

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NHRC Elects Member of Governing Board of Global Alliance in Geneva to Represent African Contenent

By:Babagana Bukar Wakil

The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has elected a member of the Governing Board of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) based in Geneva Switzerland to represent the African region at the Board.

Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Mr. Agharese Arase made this known in a statement, Thursday.

According to the statement The Thursday ‘s elections took place at the 14th Biennial Conference of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) which held in Accra Ghana from the 16-20 Oct 2023.

The GANHRI Bureau is the highest organ for the coordination of National Human Rights Institutions worldwide.

The NHRC has also been elected to the GANHRI working groups on Ageing and Business and Human Rights (BHR).These are in recognition of the giant strides recorded by Nigeria in the areas of protection of the rights of older persons and mainstreaming human rights in businesses.

It will be recalled that Nigeria has established the senior citizens center to enhance improvement of the lives of older people. Again the Federal Executive Council recently approved the National Action Plan on Human Rights and Business which makes Nigeria one of the three countries that have developed such plan in Africa.

Reacting to these developments, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said Nigeria’s election to these prestigious positions reflects the country’s positive standing on the international human rights stage and underscores its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, both at home and abroad.

Speaking further, Dr. Ojukwu said GANHRI is the legitimate and authentic Network of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world, established pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of 20th December 1993 on the Paris Principles for the promotion and protection human rights. “It serves as a legitimate and crucial platform for cooperation, information exchange, and advocacy, making Nigeria’s inclusion in the GANHRI Bureau and Working Groups significant achievements ”.

Still recounting Nigeria’s giant strides, the Human Rights Boss said Nigeria has also been elected as a member of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions Working Group on Migration (NANHRI Working Group on Migration).

According to him, this underscores Nigeria’s active role in addressing the pressing human rights issues related to migration, which has become an area of increasing concern globally.

The statement further emphasized that The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria used this medium to commend the dedication and commitment of the Nigerian government, as well as the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, that made these achievements possible.

Continuing, he said these accomplishments are a testament to the tireless efforts of the NHRC and the Nigerian government in general, they highlight the nation’s strong resolve to uphold the principles of human rights and foster cooperation in addressing critical global issues.

The NHRC looks forward to the invaluable contributions that Nigeria will make within the GANHRI Bureau, Working Groups, and NANHRI Working Group on Migration, and is confident that these roles will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a champion of human rights, the Human Rights Boss said.

NHRC Elects Member of Governing Board of Global Alliance in Geneva to Represent African Contenent

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Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

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Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe have intercepted a truck loaded with suspected vandalised iron railway sleepers and arrested eight suspects, including five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a targeted operation in Katarko area of Gujba Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place on July 8 at about 4:00 p.m., followed credible intelligence about the movement of vandalised railway materials.

The truck, was intercepted while en route to Damaturu. A Hilux vehicle marked NSCDC CD 234 A, believed to be providing escort for the illegal consignment, was also impounded.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the railway materials were vandalised from a section of the tracks around Kukuwa, also in Gujba LGA.

Further findings revealed that the arrested NSCDC officers were allegedly invited by the vandals to provide safe passage in exchange for monetary compensation.

A cash sum of ₦128,500, believed to be proceeds of the illegal escort, was recovered from one of the NSCDC officers. The money was reportedly concealed in his inner clothing.

The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to sweep the recovered materials to ensure public safety.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.

Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

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NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

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NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising incident of human rights violation in the country, stating that last alone over 320,000 cases were reported across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.”

He lamented that: “Every month, when we gather to present this human rights dashboard, we are confronted with a sobering reality of the lived realities of those affected by violence, injustice, discrimination, and systemic neglect. These numbers compel us to reflect deeply on our collective responsibility and ask ourselves the difficult question: Are we doing enough? The events of June 2025 demand not just reflection, but an honest and urgent response.”

He said: “Last month, Nigeria witnessed a harrowing surge in violent attacks, with devastating consequences for affected communities and our national conscience. Among the most tragic incidents were the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost. These were not mere figures on a report; they were fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners; families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and futures extinguished in moments of senseless brutality.

“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces. In Kaduna and Niger States, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilizing already fragile regions. Equally distressing was the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida, brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities, only to pay the ultimate price.

“Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”

Ojukwu noted that: “The wave of insecurity plaguing our highways has also intensified. In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States. These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation, and personal dignity. These abductions inflicts lasting trauma on victims and their families while further eroding public trust in the safety of our roads. This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”

He added that: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.

“To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues. This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change.

“Let us never forget; every complaint documented, every statistic recorded in these dashboards represents a Nigerian citizen, a fellow human being seeking justice, safety, and the fulfilment of their basic rights.

“The National Human Rights Commission remains unwavering in its mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights across Nigeria. We will forge ahead with purposeful and sustained action.”

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

By:Michael Mike

The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.

A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.

The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).

“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”

He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.

He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.

He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.

He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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