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Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations: UKVI Global Director’s Official Visit to Nigeria

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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

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Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia

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Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia

By: Zagazola Makama

Less than 24 hours after three Fulani youths were reportedly killed in an attack in Plateau state, another youth has allegedly been killed and one abducted in targeted attack in Riyom LGA by Birom Militia.

Security and local informants told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred on Feb. 21 in Jol community, where suspected Birom militia members attacked herders, killing one Muhammed Sani, while another victim, identified as Faruq Jamilu, was abducted. An unspecified number of cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the assault.

The development came barely a day after three youths Tahiru Muhammad, Jibrin Salisu and Abdulmumin Isyak were said to have been ambushed and killed on Feb. 19 while returning from Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi area.

Zagazola report that the earlier attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. near Jong Fulani community. Sources alleged that the victims were intercepted by armed Birom Militia assailants, and security personnel later recovered spent cartridges and a motorcycle and a bottle of alcohol otherwise known as Goskolo at the scene.

Community representatives alleged that the succession of incidents reflected sustained pattern of attacks targeting pastoral settlements and livestock in parts of the state in recent months.

Zagazola report that repeated cases of attacks and killing, cattle poisoning, rustling and arson had heightened tensions and triggered fears of reprisals across the affected areas while the state government and concerned authorities have done little or nothing to fish out the perpetrators.

Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia

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Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos

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Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos

By: Zagazola Makama

A retired Commissioner of Police, CP David Danjuma Auta (Rtd), JP, KSM, KSS, has died.

He passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos, after a brief illness.

Born on June 11, 1941, CP Auta enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on Feb. 26, 1962, and served in several capacities, culminating as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State before retiring on Feb. 26, 1997.

He hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

He is survived by his wife and seven children. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.

Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos

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Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue

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Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Five persons have been killed and a house razed following a late-night attack on Azoke village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 when suspected assailants from Akparata community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi allegedly invaded the village.

The victims were identified as Nwefuru Elu, Nwefuru Agnes, Nwali Nworie Christianana, Obasi Nwode and Nwozo Nwode.

It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze a house belonging to one Elumu Nwokwo during the assault, heightening tension in the area.

Security personnel who responded to a distress alert visited the scene and documented evidence as part of preliminary investigation.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible, while further investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as measures were being intensified to prevent escalation of violence in the area.

Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue

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