News
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Director of United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Mr. Marc Owen was in Nigeria this week for his first official visit to the country in this role.
A statement on Thursday by the Senior Communications & Public Diplomacy Officer, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, British High Commission, Onyinye Madu said as one of UK’s largest visa markets, Nigeria remains pivotal to the UKVI’s global operations.

During his visit, Marc Owen engaged with key stakeholders in Abuja and Lagos and reiterated the UKVI’s dedication to fostering strong relationships and ensuring efficient, customer-focused visa services.
In Abuja, he met with Ambassador Asari E. Allotey, Director for Legal, Migration and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he highlighted important UK visa developments including the global eVisa rollout and how to maintain the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
He also met the Vital Registration and Digitisation Lead at the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Makama Taala as well as Dr. Penelope Miremba, Migration Health Officer at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) where he emphasised the benefits to both UK and Nigeria of digitising records such as birth and death certificates and TB test certificates respectively, enhancing how records are stored, transmitted, and verified.
At the British Council office, the UKVI delegation toured the English language test centre, and engaged with a range of student councillors and UK university agents.
In Lagos, he met with stakeholders from the UK Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) and key business leaders. He also visited the newly inaugurated UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, operated through the UK’s new commercial partner, VFS Global, to engage with teams on service delivery to ensure our services meet the highest standards of convenience and efficiency.

Throughout his time in Nigeria Marc also addressed the challenges posed by visa fraud and fake travel agents and cautioned visa applicants to be vigilant and reiterated the importance of using only official UKVI channels when applying for UK visas. This step is vital to safeguarding applicants and maintaining trust in the visa process. His visit marks a new chapter in UK-Nigeria collaboration, with promises of greater engagement and impactful outcomes.
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria
News
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
By Zagazola Makama
Fifty cows have been stolen by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbugbu, Lafiagi, Kogi State, the Police Command has reported.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 1600 hours when two Fulani herders, Hassan and Husseini, both aged 25, were grazing their cattle on the outskirts of Gbugbu. Unknown gunmen attacked the herders and made away with 50 cows.
The report was filed by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu, 50, and Malam Tijani Ahmed, 62, Secretary of Miyeti Allah, Lafiagi branch.
Following the report, a joint team comprising Army troops, police operatives, Village Guard Network (VGN) and local hunters were mobilized to the scene to comb the surrounding bush for possible recovery of the stolen livestock.
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
News
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed following an armed bandit attack on Garin Idi Village in Sobon Birni District, Sokoto State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 2140 hours, when a large group of heavily armed bandits launched a sporadic shooting attack on the community.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, promptly responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel. The attackers were overpowered and fled into the surrounding forest.
During the attack, one Malam Saluhu, aged 60, was shot and killed.
Joint security teams have intensified efforts to track down the bandits, and troops have been alerted to remain vigilant for any movements by the fleeing criminals.
End
News
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
By Zagazola Makama
Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.
Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
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