7 Terror Commanders Arrested at Katsina Airport
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders. The suspects were intercepted at the Katsina airport while reentering Nigeria following a Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The minister disclosed this on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law. According to Tunji-Ojo, the suspects were apprehended last Thursday and have since been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS). He credited the breakthrough to the successful integration of the NIMC database with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Interpol networks. “I recall that some time ago, the Senate President raised concerns on the floor of the Senate regarding how terrorists were managing to cross our borders for pilgrimages,” Tunji-Ojo said. “What we inherited was a fractured system. However, I am pleased to announce that last Thursday, seven known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP were arrested at the Katsina airport upon their return and handed over to the DSS.” He emphasized that the operation was made possible because the NIMC identification system is now linked to the immigration database and communicates with Interpol 24/7. “We have fully automated this process,” he added. Border Security and the New Integrated Operations Centre The minister also revealed that the Federal Government has completed a new Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) aimed at strengthening internal security and coordinating real-time surveillance across Nigeria’s air and maritime borders. “With the new IOC built by the Ministry of Interior — a first in Nigeria’s history — all our maritime and air border systems are now fully synchronized and controlled,” Tunji-Ojo stated. “That capability was evident last week. The suspects thought it was business as usual, believing they could leave and return undetected, but they were picked up right at the airport. We airlifted them to Abuja on Saturday, and they remain in custody as we speak.” While the minister assured that Nigeria’s air borders are now effectively secured, he acknowledged that the country’s vast land borders remain vulnerable. “Nobody can breach our air borders anymore. The land borders are still a bit porous, but we are actively working on resolving that,” he admitted. Tunji-Ojo concluded by highlighting the importance of the newly signed NIMC Act 2026 in legitimizing these technological advancements. “This new Act grants us the necessary legal backing and tools to execute these strategies. As the saying goes, there is no right way to do what is illegal. If the law does not support an action, no matter how good the intention, it is invalid. With this piece of legislation, we now have the legal framework to integrate these systems and better protect our nation.” Kindly share
Azikel Group Rebuts Kariyai Daukoru’s Allegations, Defends Aviation Training Programme and Dr. Eruani’s Philanthropic Legacy
“Rather than terminate the opportunity, Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR extended the probation period in the hope that Kariyai would meet the required standards and secure the recommendation.”
Oluremi Tinubu Faces Mixed Reactions After Urging Nigerians to Consider Small-Scale Businesses
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked widespread debate after encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as viable sources of income, saying they require little capital to start. Mrs Tinubu made the remarks while addressing State House Correspondents following the second-quarter meeting of the…
Gov Diri Receives INC Reconciliation Committee Report
“There was a strong yearning for an INC that would rise to the challenges of the moment in advancing the cause of the Ijaw nation and its people. This sentiment became a key driver of the committee’s deliberations and informed the recommendations we have made.”
APC Stakeholders Hail Bayelsa Gov On New Unity Secretariat
“We want to keep this party very strong so we can have the unity we need to succeed. Positions are opportunities and privileges that should be used to empower people. It is one thing to lead and another for people to follow.
Diri Attends APC Stakeholders’ Meeting, Commissions New State Secretariat in Yenagoa
By EMTV News Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Thursday attended the stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa, where party leaders and members gathered to deliberate on the future of the party following the recently concluded congresses and primaries. The meeting, described as the first major gathering of the party after…
Jonathan Denies Family’s Involvement in Controversial Aviation Training Programme, Condemns False Allegations
“For the avoidance of doubt, no relative of former President Goodluck Jonathan applied for the aviation training programme referred to in the publication. No relative participated in the examination associated with the programme, and none was sponsored, nominated, selected, trained or benefited from any aviation training in the United States under the programme being referenced.”
Police Debunk Viral Katsina Video, Reaffirm Collaboration with Vigilantes and Hunters
“The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies.”
IGP Raises Alarm Over Police Casualties, Assures Nigerians of Improved Security
“We are not sleeping on our oars. We are working day and night. What we are doing may not be made public, but very soon Nigerians will hear good news.”
