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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
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a routine patrol in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the arrest was made on April 3 at about 11:30 a.m. by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurya.
The suspect was apprehended at Tungan Haki village and found in possession of one AK-47 rifle mounted with a magazine containing 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources disclosed that the suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that troops have continued to intensify patrols and surveillance operations across the area to curb criminal activities.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara
IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
Two security personnel have been injured following the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) during a fighting patrol in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 3 at about 12:30 p.m. when troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lilu, conducted a patrol alongside Nigeria Police personnel.
It was gathered that the team sighted the IED within the Lilu general area and attempted to destroy it.
However, the explosive device detonated during the process, injuring an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and a police officer.
The injured personnel were immediately administered first aid at the scene before being referred to a medical facility for further treatment.
Authorities said the situation has been brought under control, while operations continue in the area to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.
IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra
Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), under Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralised two suspected terrorists and destroyed several hideouts during clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the operations were carried out in conjunction with local vigilantes across Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages within the Dutsen Zaki forest.
It was gathered that troops made contact with the terrorists along the Babangida–Adua road, leading to a gun battle in which two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds.
No casualties were recorded among the troops, and all equipment was accounted for.
During the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated gun, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.
In a related development, troops of CSI Battalion XIV, in collaboration with 332 Artillery Regiment and vigilantes, conducted further clearance and raid operations in Dadin-Kowa and Dada villages.
The operation involved 47 soldiers and four vigilantes, supported with motorcycles, gun trucks, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and an artillery gun.
The troops established a gun position and carried out fire missions on suspected terrorist locations in Madam Forest to deny them freedom of action.
Subsequent raid operations in Dadin-Kowa village led to the destruction of suspected terrorist hideouts, although no contact was made with the fleeing elements.
Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara
Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau
Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu
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