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NIDCOM Advised Nigerians to be Conversant with Laws of Countries they are Traveling
NIDCOM Advised Nigerians to be Conversant with Laws of Countries they are Traveling
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians to be familiar with the laws of the countries they are visiting.
The advice was given on Friday at the backdrop of the harrowing experience of a Nigerian medical doctor, Andrew Etsetowaghan at the Geneva Airport for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage.
The Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa told Nigerians travelling through Switzerland to avoid carrying laser pointers as its usage has been ban in that European country.
Etsetowaghan, Chief Party, USAID Funded Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria, (ACE) C4 Project, narrating his ordeal at the airport in Geneva, said he was delayed at the airport for three hours because of laser pointer.
He said the use of laser pointer was ban in June 2019. The aim is to prevent people being injured or dazzled in a hazardous way by the beam from dangerous laser pointers.
The laser pointers is a hand-held laser that can be used to point to things, for amusement (as a toy or in hobbies) to scare off animals or to drive away other people.

Most times it is used to deliver lecture where slide is used. The most used laser pointer is the one carrying markings
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, noted that many immigrants might be unaware of this regulation and urged Nigerian travelers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents.
Etsetowaghan, a public health expert and Project Director at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria, was detained on May 25, 2024, after attending a United States Department meeting in Geneva.
Etsetowaghan , who was part of an official delegation ,recounted his ordeal: “Upon going through security at Geneva Airport, I was informed that my presentation pointer was not allowed in Switzerland.
He said he never knew of the law before leaving Nigeria and all through his short visit to Switzerland.
He said there was no notification even at the Geneva airport to warn travellers until he was called aside by the immigration and later joined by the police.
He said he was taken to cell for hours and it became a to and frot and was made to sign some documents in French even when he did not know what the contents are.
The Chief Party, who was worried not to miss his flight, said he was told bluntly that he would not be flying that day.
“I was detained, had my belongings and documents seized, and was subjected to several hours of interrogation and solitary confinement in a cell.
“Despite my compliance, the treatment I received was inhumane, including limited access to bathroom facilities and being forced to sign documents in French under duress.”
He called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
He called for a review of the procedures and better awareness of the banned items to ensure travelers are well-informed.
Reacting to the incident, NiDCOM emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such prohibited items in Switzerland Airports and urged Swiss authorities to enhance theircommunication on such regulations, describing Dr Etsetowaghan ordeal as “ avoidable “
NIDCOM Advised Nigerians to be Conversant with Laws of Countries they are Traveling
News
Community leaders’ engagement and intelligence gathering are key to the security situation. – Governor Bini
Community leaders’ engagement and intelligence gathering are key to the security situation. – Governor Bini
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON has said that the security challenges in the nation need to involve community leaders and individuals for intelligence gathering so as to cut off sources of illegal arms supply in the country.
He said by involving the community leaders and individuals for intelligence gathering, it will arrest the sponsors in order to restore peace and stability to Nigerians.
Governor Buni disclosed this today when he received members of the forest guards training and evaluation committee at the Government House, Damaturu.
Ably represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune). He urged Nigerians to emulate the sacrifices made by our forefathers to end security challenges and build a better Nigeria.
The governor assured that recently the service chiefs have given assurance that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria.
He informed the delegation that the Yobe state government has been working tirelessly to improve the security situation in the state.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Major General H. I. Mabeokwu, told the governor that they were in Yobe State to brief the governor on the ongoing training of 865 forest guards in the state.
According to Major General Mabeokwu, the committee had earlier visited the Yobe state camp to monitor the ongoing training and inquired about the needs of the trainees and the standards set for the training.
“Your Excellency, we have made significant strides in not only training those forest guards but also raising their awareness about the importance of forest conservation.” Major General Mabeokwu said.
He commended the governor for his generosity in terms of welfare for the instructors and trainees as well as relocation and renovation of the training camp and facilities used to enhance the training.
The committee members comprise the Nigerian Army, Navy, DSS, NNSBS, and NPS across the security agencies.
Community leaders’ engagement and intelligence gathering are key to the security situation. – Governor Bini
News
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia on Wednesday launched a coordinated armed attack on joint police patrol teams along the Abatete–Eziowelle road in Anambra State, injuring an officer and carting away two service rifles.
Zagazola gathered that the gunmen, armed with general-purpose machine guns and AK-47 rifles, operated with a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV, and a white Toyota Highlander, all with registration numbers yet to be identified.
The attackers, dressed in full military and police uniforms, opened heavy fire on personnel from the Department of Operations (DOPS), State Headquarters, Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad. The patrol teams engaged the militants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat.
During the exchange of fire, rounds fired by the assailants struck the patrol bus of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, setting it ablaze, while the DOPS patrol pickup van was sprayed with bullets and damaged.
Sources said that during the operation, Insp. Uduak Anthony of MOPOL 29 Awka, attached to the DOPS patrol team, lost his Type 06 rifle (Breech No. 10967) loaded with 35 rounds of ammunition after it slipped from his grip as he dashed for cover. The weapon was carted away by the militants.
As the gunmen fled, they reportedly snatched a Mercedes Benz SUV from a motorist, Eze Tochukwu, from Enugu State, and headed towards Umuoji in Idemili North LGA.
At Umuoji, the attackers sighted two police inspectors attached to former Anambra Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige. The officers, Insp. Eniobong Roberts of 29 PMF Awka and Insp. Udezike Kingsley of DOPS, were travelling in a vehicle when the militants double-crossed them and opened fire.
Insp. Udezike was shot in the left leg as he attempted to take cover, and his AK-47 rifle was stolen. Insp. Roberts engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the snatched Mercedes Benz SUV, which was later recovered by police.
The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Crown Hospital, Nkpor, and is responding well.
A senior police officer revealed that the Command’s tactical units have been fully activated and are “currently combing suspected hideouts, camps, and escape routes of the terrorists” to arrest the attackers and recover the stolen firearms.
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
News
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
By: Michael Mike
Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Paradigm Communications Ltd. | Paradigm News, an International Media Partner of ECOWAS Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministry in Nigeria, Germany Embassy in Nigeria and CDD/ WADEMOS West Africa.
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta and Paradigm News, a publication of Paradigm Communications Ltd., have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic media partnership aimed at enhancing visibility, communication, and public engagement surrounding the Consulate’s diplomatic activities in Malta and internationally.
Under this agreement, Paradigm News is officially accredited as the African Media House for the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic communication, promoting Côte d’Ivoire’s interests, and supporting accurate, responsible journalism across regional and global platforms.
Speaking at the signing, H.E. Mrqs. Anthony C. Coleiro, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership marks an important milestone in reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s presence and engagement in Malta. Through Paradigm News’ professional coverage, we aim to ensure that our diplomatic initiatives, bilateral engagements, and cultural activities receive the visibility and clarity they deserve.”
Representing Paradigm Communications Ltd., H.E. Ambassador Raymond Enoch noted:
“We are honoured to serve as the official African Media House for the Consulate. Paradigm News is committed to providing accurate, ethical, and comprehensive coverage that reflects the diplomatic aspirations and international outreach of Côte d’Ivoire.”
Scope of the Partnership
Through the MoU, Paradigm News will:
Provide professional coverage of the Consulate’s diplomatic activities, official events, and public engagements. Report on governmental delegations from Côte d’Ivoire visiting Malta and cover international conferences, summits, and events involving the Consulate. Notwithstanding publishing of information related to bilateral cooperation, cultural programmes, business initiatives and disseminate content through its regional and global media channels.
The Consulate, in turn, will:
Grant Paradigm News official accreditation as its African Media House, providing timely press releases, updates, and access to relevant events, subject to protocol. The Consulate will recognize / Paradigm Communications Ltd. as its media partner in appropriate communications and events.
Both parties commit to maintaining professionalism, transparency, and respect for diplomatic sensitivities, ensuring that all published material reflects accuracy and integrity.
About the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta:
The Honorary Consulate works to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and Malta, promoting diplomatic cooperation, business engagement, cultural exchange, and support for Ivorian nationals.
About Paradigm News / Paradigm Communications Ltd.
Paradigm News is a respected media organization committed to delivering global news and insights. Through its international correspondents and editorial network, Paradigm News covers stories of local, regional, and global relevance with accuracy, neutrality, and journalistic professionalism. Paradigm News International is a Media Partner of ECOWAS Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministry in Nigeria, Germany Embassy in Nigeria and CDD/ WADEMOS West Africa.
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
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