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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
Two killed, two injured in Offa street clash over football dispute
By: Zagazola Makama
Two people were killed and two others injured in a violent clash between groups of youths from Isale-Ago and Number One Junction areas of Offa, Kwara State, following a football match dispute.
The incident occurred on Feb. 24, when a disagreement during an organized Ramadan football competition escalated into a street fight, causing panic and tension in the community.
Sources said the initial confrontation was contained, but later in the evening, members of the Number One Junction group reportedly regrouped and advanced towards Isale-Ago, firing sporadically into the air. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of Dayo Abdullateef, aged 30, and Abdullahi Oriogbo, aged 28, while two other passersby sustained gunshot injuries.
Authorities visited the scene of the incident and are working to apprehend the perpetrators. Community members have been urged to maintain calm as investigations continue.
Further updates are expected as efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected areas continue.
Two killed, two injured in Offa street clash over football dispute
Suspected bandit arrested in Niger over ammunition and cattle rustling
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected bandit and ammunition runner, Haruna Usman Dan-Mazuru, has been arrested in Gawu-Babangiga, Niger State, over links to cattle rustling and illegal arms dealings.
Sources said the suspect, who hails from Jela village in Birnin-Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara state but resides in Karmo, FCT, Abuja, was apprehended on Feb. 23 at about 4:30 p.m. on reasonable suspicion.
According to the sources , the suspect admitted to acting as a courier for one Musa (Snu) of Dajin-Mailayi in Birnin-Magaji, a known kidnapper and cattle rustler, to deliver live ammunition to Alhaji Hassan, currently at large in Awala area of Lambata, Gurara LGA.
Investigators recovered a protective vest containing 99 charms from the suspect. Efforts are ongoing to locate Alhaji Hassan and recover the ammunition.
The case is under active investigation.
Suspected bandit arrested in Niger over ammunition and cattle rustling
Nasarawa councillor abducted along Doma–Yelwa road
By: Zagazola Makama
A serving councillor representing Doka Ward in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Muhammad Onumenya, has been abducted.
He was reportedly kidnapped on Feb. 23 at about 7:35 p.m. along the Doma–Yelwa Village Road while travelling within the area.
Following the report, a patrol team, alongside members of vigilante groups and local hunters, was mobilised to comb the surrounding bushes in search of the victim.
As of the time of filing this report, no trace of the councillor had been found.
Search operations are ongoing by the security agencies with efforts being intensified to secure his safe return and identify those responsible for the abduction.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could aid the rescue efforts.
Nasarawa councillor abducted along Doma–Yelwa road
Two killed, two injured in Offa street clash over football dispute
Suspected bandit arrested in Niger over ammunition and cattle rustling
Nasarawa councillor abducted along Doma–Yelwa road
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