National News
NIS, UNODC Unveil Report on Dynamics of Smuggling of Migrants
NIS, UNODC Unveil Report on Dynamics of Smuggling of Migrants
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has unveiled the Observatory Report on Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), which sought to unravel the dynamics of smuggling of migrants through and to Nigeria between 2019-2021.
Speaking at the unveiling at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller General Immigration, Isah Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in-charge of Visa and Residency, DCG Ishaka Haliru assured of the Service’s commitment to contain the menace of migrants smugglers, stressing that the Service having fully domesticated the protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air in the Immigration Act 2015 (Sections 65-98) is statutorily empowered with the necessary legal instrument to prosecute smugglers of migrants.
The Comptroller General while thanking the Canadian government and other development partners for their impactful interventions in the fight against smuggling of migrants and other cross-border criminal activities, reiterated the continuous commitment of the Service to collaborate with critical stakeholders in any efforts at achieving orderly, humane and responsive migration.
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He noted that the Service will look at the report closely with a view to enabling processes and procedures to frontally address the issues raised.
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Earlier in his remarks, the Country Representative of UNODC, Dr. Oliver Stolpe described the report as insightful and quite useful in understanding and addressing the unfolding migratory realities in Nigeria and in the West African sub-region.
He noted that an interesting element of the report was the steadily decreasing cases of smuggling of migrants in Nigeria since 2018 and called for the sustenance of the tempo against it with a view to wiping out the menace out of the country’s migratory discourse.
The representative of the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Majorie Lubin appreciated the depth of the report and pledged her government’s continuous partnerships and collaborations with the Service and other relevant stakeholders in better migration management.
The presentation of the Observatory Report demonstrates another giant move by the Service, UNODC and indeed other partners to offer reliable inferences on the unfolding migratory realities in the country. An instructive finding of the Research is that 75% of Nigerians on the move surveyed during the work stated that they had planned to use migrant smugglers or travel facilitators when they were preparing for their journey as compared to 21% who said they had not planned to do so.
The Report further indicated that 72% of those surveyed stated that someone or something influenced their decision to migrate, while just 9% of that group cited smugglers as the most important influence. On gender profiling of migrant smugglers, the report stated that 78% are men, 19% are women and 3% both. The Observatory Report was done by some researchers under the auspices of UNODC.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to increase public awareness on the ills of migrants smuggling, the 2022 Nationwide Sensitization Programme on Smuggling of Migrants was flagged-off during the event.
Other major highlights of the event include the unveiling of the Observatory Report Document and goodwill messages from representatives of relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Interior, FIIAPP-ATIPSOM, ICMPD and NAPTIP among others.
The event was attended by representatives of the Embassies of Denmark, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and the Inspector General of Police, (represented by CP Babatola Afolabi), NACTAL and the Refugees Commission represented by Mr. Titus Murdakai.
NIS, UNODC Unveil Report on Dynamics of Smuggling of Migrants
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
OP-ED: “A RESCUE PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”
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