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Nigeria, IOM Seek Greater Collaboration Against Irregular Migration

Nigeria, IOM Seek Greater Collaboration Against Irregular Migration
By: Michael Mike
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said Nigeria is poised to forge better collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in tackling migration crisis,
This is as she attributed the spate of illegal migration of Nigerians to the country’s huge demography explaining that over 70 per cent of the nation’s population was under 40 and they needed employment.
The Minister expressed the willingness of the federal government when the Deputy Director-General (Operations) for the International Organisation for Migration, Ms. Ugochi Florence Daniels, paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Abuja.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that Diaspora is one of the major planks of the President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy approach comprising Democracy, Demography, Diaspora and Development, otherwise christened 4-Ds.
She highlighted the government’s focus on citizen diplomacy following its concern about the welfare of the over 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that Nigeria’s very vibrant diaspora plays very important role in the nation’s economy by driving development.
The minister while highlighting the contributions of millions of Nigerian migrants in diaspora, equally emphasised the need for IOM to promote positive narratives on migration, stating that the country has sustained campaign to dispel the myth about greener pastures which according to her was the driver of irregular migration.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, therefore, acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and IOM in addressing concerns relating to vulnerable migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
She applauded IOM’s strategic direction to save lives and protect people on the move, drive solutions to displacement and facilitate pathways for regular migration.
The minister further acknowledged the recent assistance by IOM in responding to the severe displacement due to flooding in some parts of the country especially Niger State where it deployed a rapid response team to support data collection, conduct initial damage assessment and provide emergency shelter kits and non-food items packages to support up 1000 most vulnerable families.
In view of the financial challenges currently facing the Organisation, the minister highlighted the need to initiate and execute programmes that address existential needs of persons of concern to IOM, in line with national priorities.
Disclosing that the government was taking necessary measures to fulfil its financial obligation to IOM, she urged the Organisation to ensure harmonisation of activities with Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other International Organisations. She, then, urged that the body leverages its global status to engender novel financial partnership from non-traditional donors.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further said that as part of the UN80 Reform Initiative, Nigeria was willing to host International Organisations/UN Operations that are relocating from Geneva or New York.
Currently, IOM Nigeria is implementing a programme titled: “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria” (PBMM), funded by the European Union to assist Government in the areas of Managing Irregular Migration through Immigration and Border Management, Migration Data, Policy and Labour Migration and Diaspora Mobilisation.
Earlier, the Deputy Director General of IOM, Ugochi Florence Daniels reassured the Organisation’s commitment to the government and people of Nigeria.
She said that Nigeria was number one in returns as no fewer than 70,000 irregular migrants had been returned to the country by the IOM while about 27,000 were reintegrated in the society through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme (AVRR).
Daniels said the Organisation was dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for all migrants and accelerating the transformative initiatives to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063.
“We have a very comprehensive intervention in Nigeria. We count on your continued support for the work of IOM in Nigeria,” she said.
Nigeria, IOM Seek Greater Collaboration Against Irregular Migration
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau

One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.
The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.
Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
News
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja

FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.
The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
News
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara

Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel has been found dead after pursuing an assailant in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 21, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when the deceased soldier, Private Usman Alhaji attached to Apapa, Lagos, was riding on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi village.
While on their way to Patigi town, they encountered a man walking along the road with a stick, who suddenly struck them as they passed by. The man immediately fled into the bush.
The sources stated that Private Alhaji pursued the assailant on foot but failed to return. After waiting for hours without seeing him, Muhammad Baba reportedly searched the area but could not locate the soldier.
However, at about 2:00 p.m. the following day, villagers discovered the lifeless body of the soldier in the bush.
Police operatives visited the scene and observed that the victim sustained a stab wound to the neck.
The body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
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