Author: The Nation

  • Stakeholders advocate improved interagency collaboration to curb terrorism, others

    Stakeholders advocate improved interagency collaboration to curb terrorism, others

    Stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger collaboration among security agencies to address terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. They argued that no single agency has the capacity to manage the scale of insecurity without sustained partnerships, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

    The demand was made at an inter-agency lecture and awards ceremony in Lagos organised by Razornews publisher, Odita Sunday. Speakers, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, emphasised that joint planning, unified execution and a national biometric database were critical to dismantling criminal networks.

    Egbetokun, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, cited Lagos’ experience where multi-stakeholder onboardings have helped reduce crime rates. He noted that unity of purpose and willingness to share knowledge were key to national security success.

    Read Also: George: we should collectively tackle terrorism

    Other presenters, including NSCDC officer John Attah Onoja and security expert Dr. Bone Chinye Efoziem, highlighted the need for intelligence-sharing, joint field operations and greater involvement of private security organisations and host communities in surveillance and early warning systems. They stressed that public-private partnerships were now critical to preventing attacks and closing security gaps.

    A communiqué issued at the event recommended stronger engagement with non-state actors, including vigilantes and traditional rulers, as well as improved community policing. It identified unemployment, illiteracy, illegal mining, arms proliferation and drug abuse as key drivers of violence, and called for joint task forces, international cooperation and a military-police joint control centre to support rapid response.

  • Kanu’s brother can’t move relocation motion, court rules

    Kanu’s brother can’t move relocation motion, court rules

    A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday turned down a request by Emmanuel Kanu, who described himself as a brother to the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    Emmanuel had announced his appearance before the court with the intention of arguing an ex parte motion filed by his brother (currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto Correctional Centre).

    In the motion, Kanu is seeking an order that, in view of his inability to attend court to personally move the motion, “this motion shall be deemed moved in absentia and in terms of the motion”.

    He is praying for an order to compel the Federal Government and/or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) “to forthwith transfer him from the Sokoto correctional facility to a custodial facility within the jurisdiction of this honourable court”.

    In the alternative, Kanu is seeking an order to transfer him to the court’s “immediate environs, such as the Suleja or the Keffi Custodial Centre, for the purpose of enabling the applicant to effectively prosecute his constitutionally guaranteed right of appeal”.

    Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho in a November 20 judgment.

    Read Also: Appeal Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s rights breach case against DSS, AGF

    At the point of entering his defence, the IPOB leader sacked his legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi (SAN), and opted to defend himself.

    When the case was mentioned yesterday, Justice Omotosho asked for appearance, and Emmanuel Kanu stood up, saying he would speak for the applicant with the intention of moving the motion.

    The judge told him that he could not move the motion on behalf of the convict because he (Emmanuel) is not a lawyer.

    He advised Emmanuel to either engage a lawyer or approach the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACN) for the services of a lawyer since the law allows it.

    “When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister, or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

    “I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice. But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer. You can only represent a corporate body.

    “Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or an advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So, get a counsel to move the application for you,” he said.

    Justice Omotosho took time to explain to Emmanuel that Kanu’s presence in court was not necessary for the purpose of compiling the records of appeal.

    The judge said it was erroneous for those close to the IPOB leader to create the impression that records of appeal could not be compiled in his absence.

    Justice Omotosho, who said he had seen the notice of appeal personally signed by Kanu, explained that it was in the past that a defendant in a case or a convict was required to sign the notice of appeal.

    The judge said he had long signed Kanu’s application for the compilation of records of appeal, adding that the rule now allows a lawyer to sign a notice of appeal on behalf of the appellant.

    “The defendant has nothing to do with the compilation of records. Once you are a convict, you are not required to be part of the compilation of the records of appeal

    “Get a lawyer for him to come and move his (Kanu’s) pending application,” the judge said.

    Justice Omotosho added that he took time to explain things to Emmanuel in the interest of justice.

    The judge advised Emmanuel to ensure that he secured the service of a lawyer on time to ensure that the records are compiled within time.

    He said, although his court would be busy on December 8, he would create time to hear Kanu’s motion, provided he is represented by a lawyer.

  • Musa inaugurated, pledges to repay citizens’ love with results

    Musa inaugurated, pledges to repay citizens’ love with results

    • Job of restoring security nomalcy in good hands, says Kukah

    With a pledge to repay the overwhelming acceptance of his appointment as Defence Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gen Christopher Musa yesterday took his oath of office at the State House Abuja before the President.

    Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Musa pledged to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.

    He said the outpouring of goodwill from citizens since his nomination had strengthened his resolve to deliver results.

    The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) said Nigerians should look forward to a future where they go about their daily lives without fear of criminal elements.

    “I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.

    According to him, his immediate priority would be to reinvigorate the defence architecture and strengthen collaboration among all security agencies.

    “My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along, as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility.

    “It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we’re going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time Nigerians will see results,” the minister added.

    On his briefing with Tinubu, Musa said the President was unequivocal in his directive that Nigeria must be secured to enable citizens lead normal lives again.

    “He reiterated that we must make sure Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, schools open without being molested,” Musa told reporters.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Senate for swift confirmation of Ex-CDS Musa as Defence Minister

    The minister said all efforts going forward, will align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at creating a secure environment for economic growth, education, agriculture, and community life.

    The ceremony was attended by senior government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Also present were Gen Musa’s wife, Mrs. Lilian Oghogho; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, and retired Supreme Court Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs.

    President Tinubu, through his verified X account, hailed the Senate for its “expedited confirmation” of Musa, whose appointment he described as timely and crucial to the nation’s security needs.

    Kukah: Job of restoring normalcy in good hands

    Commending Tinubu’s choice of Musa to head the Defence Ministry, Kukah noted that the job of restoring normalcy and security across Nigeria was in “very good hands”.

    The Bishop said the combination of President Tinubu’s clear resolve and General Musa’s experience provides renewed hope for stabilising the nation.

    “We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible, and I think that this job is in very good hands. It does seem very clearly that the President wants to reposition issues of security, and I think the situation is in very good hands,” Kukah said.

    According to him, he attended the event in dual capacity- as representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, and as a Son of Southern Kaduna like the new minister.

    He conveyed the Sultan’s greetings and goodwill to Musa.

    Supporting the General’s position on the need for stricter punishment for terorrists, Kukah harped on the urgency and seriousness needed to confront insecurity.

    “We are on all fours as far as that is concerned. Rain, thunder, sunshine, whatever it takes to get this mess under control. These guys need to be flushed out. Normalcy needs to return to our country.” Laughter and joy have to come back to Nigeria within the shortest time possible”, he stressed.

    The Bishop urged Nigerians to continue to support efforts aimed at ending insecurity, adding “all we do is to pray for the best” as the new minister takes on the national assignment.

  • Senate to Fed Govt: include Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda Highway in ongoing repairs on Akure-Ore corridor

    Senate to Fed Govt: include Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda Highway in ongoing repairs on Akure-Ore corridor

    The Federal Ministry of Works got a request from the Senate yesterday – it should incorporate the Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda Federal Road in the ongoing Federal Government repair works on the Akure-Ore corridor under Project CNo, 6509.

    The request, made through a resolution, followed the Red Chamber’s consideration and adoption of a motion, titled: “Achieving fair and balanced infrastructure development expansion of Akure-Ore Road Repairs to  Ore-Okitipupa- lgbokoda Unity Road.”

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ondo South sponsored the motion.

    According to the Senate, the expansion of Akure-Ore Road Repairs to Ore- Okitipupa- lgbokoda Unity Road, would bring about a fair and balanced infrastructure development against the backdrop that Ondo State is an oil-producing state contributing over seven per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil revenue, with the major oil-producing communities located in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

    In his lead debate, Senator Ibrahim said that the Senate: “notes that road construction, repairs, redesign, and reconsruction are vital to any nation’s economic development, particularly where traffic volume has increased significantly in support of commercial activities.

    “Nigeria classifies roads by national importance, designating major routes as federal, state, or local governinenmt roads to ensure clear responsibility for maintenance.

    “Also notes that the Akure-Ore Road repairs, officially designated as Project C/No. 6509 and coded

    ERGP12190717, are a Federal Government initiative supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing with a total appropriation of N31,023,545.00, with the same amount allocated in the 2023 fiscal year.

    Read Also: Stakeholders differ on Senate’s bill on compulsory national exams

    “The project is ongoing and forms part of Nigeria’s commitment to the UN-supported Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which align with World Bank and IMF policies aimed at eradicating poverty by 2030

    “While the Federal Government’s ongoing interventions on major highways are commendable, it is critical to capture and address the concerns of key stakeholders affected by road conditions in oil-producing regions.

    “Ondo State is an oil-producing state contributing over seven per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil revenue, with the major oil-producing communities located in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

    “The primary access route to this region is the Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda Federal Road, which is directly linked to the ongoing Project C/No. 6509 and accounts for 95 per cent of the economic relevance of the corridor, yet remains largely unattended

    “Stakeholder engagement is vital in government decision-making, especially where the collective interests of communities coincide.

    “The Ore-0kitipupa-Igbokoda Road serves as a unity road, linking oil-producing communities across the district and enabling shared economic and social benefits.

    “Protecting and strengthening the unity of communities with common interests remains a national responsibility.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing can deepen public trust and support by ensuring equitable distribution of federal infrastructure projects, particularly in economically strategic regions.

    “Communities across the Ondo South Senatorial District have historically coexisted peacefully andare committed to preserving their shared heritage and collective identity.

    “Communal tensions may arise when government policies on infrastructure appear to favour some communities over others. It is the responsibility of the Senate to ensure fairness, equity, and national security.

    “Oil-producing communities must benefit from the resources derived from their lands, and exclusion could create feelings of marginalisation, especially where one community’s resources appear to be used to develop another.

    “Excluding the Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road from the ongoing federal repairs effectively overlooks the only federal highway serving an oil-producing zone in the state, thereby marginalising more than two million residents, including 1.5 million registered voters in Ondo South Senatorial District. In the interest of justice, equity, and national unity, it is imnperative that this corridor be included in the ongoing works.”

  • President nominates Ibas, Enang, others as ambassadors

    President nominates Ibas, Enang, others as ambassadors

    The Senate yesterday received requests for confirmation of 65 Ambassadorial nominees from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The nominees were read from two different lists by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

    The nominees were in two categories of 34 Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners and 31 Non – Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate.

    Notable on the list of Non Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners are Senator Solomon Ita Enang from Akwa Ibom State, Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok-Ete from Cross River State, Senator Grace Bent from Adamawa State, former Imo First Lady, Chioma Ohakim; and former Minister of Interior and ex–Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau.

    Notable names among the 34 Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners are Ambassador Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed from Kwara State, Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno from Borno State, Ambassador Maimuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa).

    Read Also: Ogijo lead poisoning: Senate raises alarm over silent public health crisis

    President Tinubu called on the Senate to expeditiously consider and confirm the nominees.

    Accordingly, the President of the Senate, forwarded the requests to the Senate committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and to report back within one week.

     President Tinubu had earlier forwarded to the Senate three ambassadorial nominees last week for appointment and  confirmation.

    They are: Kayode Are (Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo State).

    They were screened and cleared on Wednesday by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC – Niger North).

  • Osun 2026: Omisore, Oyebamiji, six others know fate today

    Osun 2026: Omisore, Oyebamiji, six others know fate today

    • Screening Committee to submit report by 11

    Nine aspirants jostling for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) in the December 13, 2025 Osun State governorship party primary are to know their faith today.

    The seven-man Osun State Governorship Primary Election Screening Committee, led by Obinna Uzor, will submit its reports following yesterday’s conclusion of the two-day screening in Abuja.

    The report, barring the unforeseen, will be submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party by the committee chairman by 11 am. at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

    The ruling party has constituted a Screening Appeal Committee, chaired by Sen. Tolu Odeniyi, to entertain objections and petitions that may arise from the results of the screening tomorrow.

    The primary is billed for December 13 in Osun State.

    In line with the schedule of activities and timetable for the Osun State Governorship Primary Election, the screening exercise of the nine aspirants was rounded off on Thursday evening with four aspirants appearing before the committee to complement the earlier five aspirants that were drilled on Wednesday.

    Those screened yesterday were: Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji; immediate past Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); legal icon Adegoke Adekunle (SAN); the only female aspirant and former lawmaker in Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and former vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental, Sen. Babajide Omoworare.

    Read Also: Ogijo lead poisoning: Senate raises alarm over silent public health crisis

    On Wednesday, former deputy governor and former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was screened along with development financier, Babatunde Hareter Oralusi; former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oyedotun Babayemi; business magnate and insurance expert Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi and immediate past deputy governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi.

    A member of the screening committee told our correspondent last night in confidence that finishing touches are being put into the reports.

    Efforts to get hints on the reports failed, as our source simply said: “We have concluded the two-day screening.  All the nine aspirants presented their credentials and were thoroughly grilled in line with the party’s guideline and constitution, as well as the Electoral Act.

    “The committee is putting finishing touches to the report, and we are expected to submit our reports to the National Working Committee that gave us the assignment.”

    Osun State Governorship Election is slated for the 8th of August, 2026.

  • Tinubu celebrates Tanko Yakasai at 100

    Tinubu celebrates Tanko Yakasai at 100

    • … Hails him as last of Nigeria’s independence vanguard

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and nationalist, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, as the prominent independence activist marks his 100th birthday on December 5, describing him as the “last man standing” among Nigeria’s frontline freedom fighters.

    In a statement he personally issued on Thursday, President Tinubu said Yakasai’s century-long life epitomises courage, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the quest for Nigeria’s liberation from colonial rule and its continued journey toward unity and democratic consolidation.

    “Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing,” the President said, noting that the centenarian carved a meaningful legacy despite his humble beginnings in Kano a hundred years ago.

    Tinubu recalled that Yakasai’s early encounters with the injustices of colonial administration steered him into activism and the broader nationalist struggle. 

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    As a young man, he joined hands with contemporaries under the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Mallam Aminu Kano, in launching an awakening campaign that contributed significantly to Nigeria’s eventual independence.

    The President highlighted Yakasai’s post-independence contributions, including his service as a state commissioner under then Military Governor Audu Bako and later as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

    “In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation,” Tinubu said.

    He added that celebrating Yakasai means celebrating “a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy” as well as acknowledging the elder statesman’s longstanding support for him personally and for the progressive political movement.

    President Tinubu congratulated the centenarian and joined family, friends, associates, and admirers across the country in honouring Yakasai’s life of purpose and patriotism.

  • Tinubu’s security drive restores public confidence, says Gbenga Abiola

    Tinubu’s security drive restores public confidence, says Gbenga Abiola

    Gbenga Abiola, National Coordinator of the Tinubu Media Force (TMF), said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to Nigeria’s security challenges has been “strategic, systematic, and sincerely people-centred,” restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

    Abiola highlighted that the administration’s structured and transparent approach is addressing decades of insecurity, which has included terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, highway robberies, and other criminal activities. 

    He noted that previous governments made efforts to tackle these threats, but progress was often inconsistent.

    “The sincerity of this administration cannot be overstated, and Nigerians are increasingly confident in the President’s ability to provide lasting solutions to security challenges,” Abiola said.

    “Recent government actions include the appointment and restructuring of Service Chiefs to enhance military efficiency, and the activation of a national framework for recruiting and deploying Forest Guards to protect rural communities, secure criminal hideouts, and provide early-warning intelligence.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    “In addition, President Tinubu has nominated a seasoned Minister of Defence, well-versed in Nigeria’s security architecture, as part of a broader strategy to professionalise security management and improve coordination across all agencies. Police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have been redeployed to frontline duties, boosting community safety and rapid response capabilities.”

    He added, “The National Security Adviser has deepened collaboration with the United States on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, modern surveillance, and capacity building for security agencies, aiming to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks.

    “The administration has also increased funding and logistics for nationwide military operations, enhanced aerial and ground deployments in high-risk areas, activated rapid-response units, restructured joint task forces, and engaged local authorities and community security networks to improve intelligence gathering.

    “These measures have produced tangible results. Several kidnapped victims have been rescued in recent weeks, including schoolchildren in the North-West, commuters on major highways, and villagers held in forest enclaves.”

    Abiola said, “The Tinubu administration’s systematic and sincere approach to insecurity is unprecedented. Nigerians are beginning to feel the impact of coordinated action, and confidence in the President’s leadership continues to grow.”

    The Federal Government has urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and support ongoing operations as the administration consolidates gains and works to restore full normalcy nationwide.

  • Tinubu hails Jamiu Abiola at 50, celebrates his service, commitment to national unity

    Tinubu hails Jamiu Abiola at 50, celebrates his service, commitment to national unity

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Jamiu Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters, on his 50th birthday, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a worthy heir to the legacy of his late parents, Chief Moshood Abiola and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Abiola for the discipline, brilliance, and commitment he brings to his responsibilities in the Presidency.

    Tinubu highlighted the presidential aide’s contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign engagements, noting that his multilingual expertise and deep understanding of international affairs have enriched the administration’s diplomatic efforts.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    The President also commended Abiola, who holds the traditional title of Shettima Rasheed of Borno, for his consistent advocacy for democracy, national unity, and good governance, values closely linked to the struggles of his late father, widely regarded as the symbol of Nigeria’s democratic restoration.

    Describing him as “a chip off the old block,” Tinubu said Abiola’s service reflects the same courage and nationalist spirit for which his parents are remembered.

    He wished the author and polyglot a happy 50th birthday and prayed for renewed strength as he continues to serve the nation.

  • Immigration CG visits Kebbi, assesses checkpoint attack, meets stakeholders

    Immigration CG visits Kebbi, assesses checkpoint attack, meets stakeholders

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has concluded a two-day working visit to Kebbi State following the recent attack on the Bakin Ruwa checkpoint, where personnel and facilities of the Service were affected.

    Nandap arrived in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, December 3, and proceeded to the office of the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, at about 6:30 p.m.

    She thanked the state government for its support to immigration personnel, particularly those deployed to border areas, and explained that her visit was to commiserate with officers and men of the Service, as well as the people of Kebbi State, over the tragic incident. 

    She also said she was in the state to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the destroyed facilities.

    The Deputy Governor, in his response, condoled with the Service and assured that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris would continue to prioritise security. He added that the state would ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

    The Comptroller General and her delegation later visited the Emir of Gwandu, Maj.-Gen. (Dr.) Muhammed Ilyasu Bashir (retd.), at his palace. 

    Nandap commended the Emir for his leadership, describing the traditional institution as a vital bridge between government and the people. The Emir thanked her for the visit and prayed against a recurrence of such attacks.

    As part of the visit, Nandap held a strategic meeting with comptrollers and border commanders. 

    She charged them on the need to be on high alert on their primary responsibilities.

    On Thursday, December 4, at about 11 a.m., the Comptroller General visited the Bakin Ruwa checkpoint for an on-the-spot assessment. She inspected the damage and received a briefing from officers on the ground.

    Nandap addressed personnel at the checkpoint, assuring them of the Service’s full support. She also met community leaders who had gathered at the site, urging them to continue cooperating with security agencies in tackling banditry.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Speaking to journalists, she said the Federal Government and the Minister of Interior had been fully briefed on the incident and were committed to providing necessary assistance and logistics to strengthen border security.

    “I’m here to visit the scene of the incident that occurred where we lost three officers. My presence here is also to underscore the fact that what happened is very disturbing. It’s also to let Nigerians know the Nigeria Immigration service and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu take the welfare and safety of our officers very seriously. And also to assess the damage, and more importantly to meet with the officers on ground. It’s to also let the officers know that their safety & welfare is priority for myself, the minister of interior, and indeed the federal government of Nigeria. I have also come to engage the community leaders and let them know that we need their support to strengthen our operational response. I’ve also considered it needful to make it clear that what happened was not just an assault on NIS, it’s an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty, legal border governance and the collective security of this nation. 

    “And we will not take it likely. We will make sure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to book. I want to thank the kebbi state governor for his continued support for the service. And to the families of our lost officers, we want to let them know that the service and federal government is solidly behind them and will do the needfuls to support them. In NIS, I want to Reaffirm that we remain undaunted. And will continue to defend our borders and the sovereignty of our country. Our determination is now renewed to keep our borders safe in service to our nation. I know that we have the support of the minister for interior, National security adviser and the president to get more needed facilities to deliver on our job”.

    She added that the attack would not deter the Service from fulfilling its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s borders.