Netherlands Donates Equipment to Boost Nigeria Immigration’s Hostmanship Programme

By: Michael Mike

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has donated specialised equipment to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to strengthen its Hostmanship Unit, deepening more than two decades of bilateral cooperation aimed at improving migration management and customer service delivery.

The equipment was presented by the Repatriation and Departure Service (R&DS) of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security during a ceremony at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Receiving the donation, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, described the gesture as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Netherlands, noting that it would bolster institutional professionalism and improve service delivery.

Nandap said the equipment represents a strategic investment in institutional excellence and would enhance the Hostmanship Unit’s training capacity and operational efficiency.

She explained that the initiative is designed to entrench the philosophy of hostmanship across the Service, encouraging immigration officers to ensure that members of the public are treated with courtesy, empathy and professionalism at every point of contact.

“The equipment will further strengthen our capacity to institutionalise the Hostmanship philosophy, where every officer is inspired to make people feel welcomed, respected and valued,” she said.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abuja, Mr. Ronald Sonnemans, described the collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service as a model of sustained international partnership.

He reaffirmed the Dutch government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance migration management, institutional capacity and public service delivery in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Immigration Service disclosed that the partnership has already produced tangible results, including the training of hundreds of immigration officers, the establishment of a dedicated Hostmanship Unit and sustained capacity-building programmes under the European Union-funded Capacity Building and Relationship Management (CBR) Project.

According to the Service, the latest donation underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening migration governance through innovation, knowledge sharing and institutional reforms that enhance public confidence in immigration services.

The Service expressed appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Repatriation and Departure Service for their continued support, pledging to ensure the donated equipment is effectively utilised in advancing ongoing reforms.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has in recent years intensified reforms aimed at modernising border management, improving service delivery and enhancing the professionalism of its personnel. A key component of these reforms is the Hostmanship programme, a customer service philosophy developed in Sweden that focuses on creating positive service experiences by treating every individual with respect, courtesy and empathy.

The Netherlands has remained one of Nigeria’s key international partners in migration governance, supporting capacity-building initiatives through bilateral cooperation and European Union-funded programmes. The collaboration has focused on improving migration management, combating irregular migration, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting international best practices in public service delivery.

The latest donation is expected to further consolidate these reforms as the Nigeria Immigration Service seeks to build a more citizen-focused and globally competitive immigration system.

Netherlands Donates Equipment to Boost Nigeria Immigration’s Hostmanship Programme

Troops neutralised key bandit leaders, restored confidence along Gusau- Funtua highway

By Zagazola Makama

The Commander of Combat Team 7 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Capt. A.U. Usman, has disclosed that troops have recorded significant operational successes over the past six months, including the elimination of several notorious bandit kingpins and the restoration of security along the strategic Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau highway.

Speaking on Saturday during a visit by Defense Correspondents at the unit’s operational base in Tsafe, Zamfara State, the commander said sustained offensive operations and strategic deployment of troops at identified bandit crossing points had drastically reduced attacks on commuters and boosted public confidence.

“During the period under review, Combat Team 7 has recorded some significant successes,” Usman said.

He revealed that on Jan. 14, troops neutralised notorious bandit commanders, including Kachalla Dan Agwal and Baban Baby, alongside several of their fighters during intelligence-led operations.

“Combat Team 7 was able to neutralise the likes of Kachalla Dan Agwal, Baban Baby and many others. These successes came through carefully planned operations and the deployment of our troops to strategic locations,” he said.

According to the commander, the unit established numerous pickets along the Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road, particularly at known bandit crossing points frequently used to ambush travellers.

“If you are driving along the Katsina–Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road today, you will notice several military pickets. Those soldiers are strategically deployed at identified bandit crossing routes,” he explained.

He noted that the deployment had significantly curtailed the activities of armed groups that previously terrorised motorists through kidnappings and violent attacks.

“These bandits were the ones repeatedly disturbing this road. Before now, commuters could not move freely the way they do today. They stopped vehicles, abducted passengers and created fear among the people,” he said.

“Today, because of the strategic deployment of troops and the equipment made available to us, civilians are moving freely without fear. The picketing has restored confidence among road users.”

Capt. Usman further disclosed that another major breakthrough was recorded on Feb. 15 when troops neutralised additional notorious bandits, including Yunusa Dogon Ahmad, during sustained clearance operations along the same corridor.

“On Feb. 15, we were able to neutralise Yunusa Dogon Ahmad and some other key bandits who had been terrorising this route,” he said.

Beyond securing highways, the commander said the military had also created a safer environment for farming activities across communities within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).

According to him, Combat Team 7 currently operates from about 13 operational locations, including Lilo, Mada, Wanzamai, Keta, FOB Railway, Gidan Giye, Keware and several blocking positions established to deny criminals freedom of movement.

“Our troops conduct daily foot patrols from these locations into surrounding farmlands and communities to ensure that farmers carry out their activities without interference from criminal elements,” he said.

“The same pattern is replicated across our entire Area of Responsibility. Whether in Mada, Wanzamai or other locations, our troops are constantly patrolling to provide security for farmers.”

The commander acknowledged that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remained one of the challenges confronting troops during operations, especially on rural access routes.

“There are places where movement is still affected because of the threat of IEDs,” he said.

“However, with support from the theatre headquarters, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have now been deployed, and we no longer move on roads without conducting proper scanning to detect possible IED threats.”

On civil-military relations, Capt. Usman described cooperation from residents as encouraging but said more support was needed to deny criminals access to information.

“The locals are cooperating to some extent, but there is still room for improvement,” he said.

“Without informants, terrorists cannot operate effectively. Unfortunately, there are still a few bad elements within some communities who pass information about our movements and activities to the criminals.”

Despite the challenge, he commended the majority of residents for their support and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between security forces and communities would further weaken the activities of bandits across the region.

The commander reaffirmed the commitment of Combat Team 7 and Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring that communities, farmers and travellers continue to enjoy improved security across Zamfara and adjoining areas.

Troops neutralised key bandit leaders, restored confidence along Gusau- Funtua highway

Operation FANSAN YAMMA to Deploy Dedicated Drones as Theatre Commander Unveils New Force Protection Measures

By Zagazola Makama

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has disclosed that the theatre will soon receive its own dedicated fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of an ongoing military modernisation programme aimed at strengthening force protection, intelligence gathering and offensive operations against terrorists across the North-West.

Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions following a comprehensive operational briefing on the activities of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The announcement came in response to a question from Defence Correspondent who sought clarification on measures being adopted by the military to improve force protection, particularly in view of the growing use of sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups operating within the North-West and the wider Sahel region.

The Theatre Commander acknowledged that the threat posed by IEDs has continued to evolve, requiring corresponding improvements in surveillance, intelligence and technological capabilities.

According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces have already commenced a major expansion of their unmanned aerial capability, with Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters investing heavily in drones designed to enhance reconnaissance, surveillance and operational response across all theatres of operation.

“It still comes down to the answer I gave earlier,” the commander said.

“The military hierarchy is doing a lot. We have commenced the acquisition of drones, and we are aware that the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Honourable Minister of Defence are doing everything possible to provide drones with wider operational coverage across the country.”

He explained that the acquisition programme forms part of a broader effort to integrate modern technology into military operations, enabling commanders to detect threats earlier, improve situational awareness and respond rapidly to terrorist activities in difficult terrain.

Major General Idris disclosed that several operational theatres have already begun receiving unmanned aerial systems, while Operation FANSAN YAMMA is expected to receive its own dedicated drone capability immediately after the completion of the construction of its operational hangar.

“As it stands today, Operation FANSAN YAMMA is awaiting the completion of the construction of our hangar before our own drones are deployed for more efficient conduct of operations,” he said.

The commander noted that the deployment of dedicated drones would significantly improve the command’s ability to monitor vast forest corridors, detect terrorist movements, identify IED threats and support troops engaged in offensive operations.

He explained that the North-West theatre presents unique operational challenges because of its expansive forests, mountainous terrain and remote settlements that are often inaccessible to conventional ground patrols, particularly during the rainy season.

According to him, unmanned aerial platforms will bridge those operational gaps by providing persistent surveillance over difficult terrain while supporting intelligence-driven operations against terrorist enclaves.

He further stated that drones would complement existing air assets by providing commanders with real-time intelligence before, during and after military operations.

The Theatre Commander noted that the growing sophistication of terrorist tactics—including the increasing deployment of improvised explosive devices, ambushes and hit-and-run attacks—requires equally sophisticated technological responses.

He said the Armed Forces have therefore prioritised investments in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as part of broader efforts to reduce casualties and enhance operational effectiveness.

“Our objective is not only to attack terrorists but also to ensure the safety of our personnel during operations. Modern technology is becoming increasingly important in achieving that objective,” he said.

Major General Idris commended the leadership of the Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; and the Honourable Minister of Defence for their continued commitment to equipping frontline formations with modern capabilities.

He observed that the support being provided by Defence Headquarters has already translated into significant improvements in operational performance across various theatres.

According to him, enhanced surveillance capabilities, improved intelligence gathering and the increasing deployment of modern equipment have enabled troops to sustain pressure on terrorist groups while reducing their freedom of movement.

The commander explained that force protection remains one of the command’s highest priorities, stressing that every available technological solution is being explored to minimise operational risks to personnel.

He added that the military’s ongoing investment in drones is expected to transform operations by improving early warning, target acquisition, battle damage assessment and operational coordination between ground and air forces.

He also reiterated that the introduction of dedicated UAV capability would further strengthen the command’s ability to dominate remote forests where terrorists have increasingly sought refuge after being pushed away from major highways through sustained military offensives.

“The terrorists are constantly adapting, and we must remain ahead of them. Technology gives us that advantage. With improved drone capability, better intelligence and continued support from the military high command, we will further deny them freedom of movement and make the operational environment even more hostile for criminal elements,” he said.

Major General Idris reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue to combine modern technology with intelligence-led operations, long-range patrols and coordinated inter-agency collaboration to protect communities, secure critical infrastructure and dismantle terrorist networks across the North-West.

He assured Nigerians that the command remains committed to enhancing force protection, improving operational efficiency and sustaining the momentum of ongoing operations until lasting peace and security are restored throughout the theatre.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA to Deploy Dedicated Drones as Theatre Commander Unveils New Force Protection Measures