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Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration

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Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration

By Zagazola Makama

The Republic of Niger has officially launched the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport, marking another significant step in the confederation’s drive toward deeper regional integration following its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Abdourahamane Tiani became the first recipient of the new travel document during an enrollment ceremony held at the Presidency in Niamey, where officials also unveiled the passport’s official brochure.

The biometric passport was developed in accordance with harmonized technical specifications agreed upon by experts from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali during a meeting in Bamako in October 2024. The standards were subsequently endorsed by ministers responsible for security in the three member states.

According to the Nigerien government, the new passport is designed to enhance document security, facilitate the free movement of citizens within the Alliance of Sahel States, and align travel and identification systems across the confederation. The initiative forms part of a broader modernization programme aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and reducing dependence on ECOWAS-era travel documents.

The launch follows similar initiatives in Burkina Faso and comes months after Niger introduced the AES biometric national identity card, with President Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine among the first citizens to be enrolled. The three-member confederation has continued to advance plans for closer cooperation in defence, trade, customs, and the free movement of people and goods as it builds common institutions under the Alliance of Sahel States.

Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration

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Emir of Tikau commends the foundation for its people-oriented project in Yobe.

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Emir of Tikau commends the foundation for its people-oriented project in Yobe.

By: Yahaya Wakili

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II, PhD, has commended the Alminnah Charitable Foundation for executing the people-oriented giant project in the emirate.

Dr. Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II made the commendation today while commissioning the new Juma’at Mosque at Dugum in the Watinane district of the Nangere local government area of Yobe State.

He said, “Actually, we have nothing to say. We say Alhamdulila; thank you for everything you have done.” The mosque was named after the late emir of Tikau, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema.

Adding to that, they are looking forward to still partnering with you to bring more of this kind of project to our communities.

The royal father maintained that, and inshallah, we are going to collaborate and lease with you to bring all the necessary development immediately to our community.

“We know that you have brought many things, such as boreholes, and a lot of educational support to our citizens,” the emir added.

Emir of Tikau commends the foundation for its people-oriented project in Yobe.

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Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Children, in Kogi

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Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Children, in Kogi

By Zagazola Makama

Security forces have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, including four children, following an operation against suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims were kidnapped on Aug. 9 when suspected bandits attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.

According Intelligence sources, information received at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 10 indicated that the victims had been sighted around Adumu community in Dekina.

Following the intelligence, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes and Hybrid Forces, launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area.

The security forces eventually made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the criminals to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area.

The encounter, however, resulted in the death of one member of the Hybrid Forces, while a police personnel sustained injuries.

The rescued victims comprised six males, six females and four children.

The victims have been taken into the custody of the Nigeria Police, Ajaokuta Division, for further action, while security forces continue efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers.

Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Children, in Kogi

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Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Pursue Suspects in Plateau

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Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Pursue Suspects in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued a suspected kidnap victim following an attack on a vehicle in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.

The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 10 along the Angwan Boka-Forest axis in Riyom, according to a security report.

Troops deployed at SOPP responded to information on the activities of suspected kidnappers who had blocked a blue J5 vehicle with registration number JJN 183 XP.

Upon arrival at the location, the troops established contact with the suspected kidnappers and launched a pursuit, mounting sustained pressure on the criminals.

During the operation, one of the occupants of the vehicle, identified as Mr Ali Abdullahi, was rescued.

Troops are currently conducting a search and rescue operation for the third occupant, who is reportedly the owner of goods being conveyed in the vehicle.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and safely recover the remaining victim.

Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Pursue Suspects in Plateau

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