The Federal Government has pledged to further strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence architecture and border security framework to dismantle organised human smuggling syndicates exploiting vulnerable migrants.

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said this on Monday in Abuja at the inauguration of the 2025 Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Week.

Nandap was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General, (DCG), in charge of Works and Logistics, Mrs Ada James Umanah.

Declaring the event open, Nandap said the FG was intensifying a multi-layered response to emerging trends in migrant smuggling that pose serious risks to human life and national security.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Service, pledging that the NIS would continue to deepen border security and intelligence capabilities.

She also assured that the service would dismantle smuggling networks and prosecute offenders, and protect migrants. especially women and children from exploitation,

She added that the Service would also strengthen domestic and international partnerships, and uphold the dignity and human rights of migrants regardless of status.

Nandap said Nigeria, as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, could not afford to ignore the growing sophistication of smuggling networks.

This, she said, was why they now rely heavily on digital platforms, encrypted communication, falsified documents and transnational criminal collaborations.

She warned that migrants were increasingly exposed to grave dangers, including trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation, violence and death, particularly along irregular desert and sea routes.

“The activities of smugglers threaten border integrity, public safety and internal security.

“The NIS, with the support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has adopted a technology-driven and intelligence-led strategy to combat the menace.

“The Service has strengthened surveillance across land, sea and air borders through the deployment of a Command and Control Centre that mirrors nationwide operations, alongside the Migration Information and Data Analysis System.

“Also, Advanced Passenger Information Systems, Passenger Name Records, e-gates at international airports and Huawei-powered e-border solutions installed at more than 144 border locations nationwide,”she maintained.

Nandap added that Nigeria had continued to deepen cooperation with regional and international partners, including (ECOWAS), the African Union,(AU), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,(UNODC) among others.

This, she said, were to enhance capacity building, intelligence sharing, joint investigations and safe return programmes, while bilateral agreements with transit and destination countries have improved early warning systems and cross-border law enforcement.

“The Service had scaled up public sensitisation to counter the false narratives used by smugglers to lure young Nigerians, revealing that more than 579,000 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were sensitised this year alone.

“This is in addition to widespread outreach in border communities, schools, transport unions and youth associations across the country.

“The campaigns focus on exposing digital recruitment tactics, fake job offers abroad and the importance of safe, orderly and regular migration channels,” she emphasised.

The NIS boss, however, stressed that the fight against migrant smuggling required collective responsibility.

She called on families, communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the media and development partners to work together to protect vulnerable populations and secure Nigeria’s borders against criminal exploitation.

Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG)in charge of Migration Directorate, Mrs Ngozi Odikpo, described the weeklong activities as an opportunity to reinforce national and global commitment to safe migration.

Odikpo said that the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Week would climax on December 18, which marks the International Migrants Day.

She also expressed appreciation to international partners for their technical support and capacity-building interventions, assuring that the NIS remains committed to sustaining strong partnerships

This, she said, would be in pursuit of safe, orderly and regular migration, border security and national development.

The theme of the event is, “Smuggling of Migrants: Emerging Trends, Realities and National Response,”

The Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has described the late Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community, King Righteous Inegbagha, as a man whose name reflects his character.

Jonathan made the remark at the weekend when he joined, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during the funeral service of the late monarch held in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In a statement signed and issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,
Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Jonathan
said the late ruler lived a righteous life and that his reign as king brought significant development and progress to Ayakoro Community.

The former President noted that the late King Righteous Inegbagha was not only a respected traditional ruler but also a good friend and senior colleague from their school days at Martha Dei High School, Imiringi.

He expressed gratitude to all those who attended the funeral to honour the memory of the monarch.

In a tribute, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ogbuku, described the late ruler as a man who truly lived by the values of righteousness, as reflected in the enduring peace that characterised Ayakoro community during his reign.

Quoting the Christian holy book, “When the righteous rule, the people rejoice,” Ogbuku said the burial ceremony was a celebration of a fulfilled and impactful life.

He urged traditional rulers across the region to emulate the virtues of the late monarch by promoting peace and unity in their domains, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Ogbuku added that the unity and developmental strides recorded in Ayakoro were clear testimonies to King Righteous Inegbagha’s Godly leadership, humility, team spirit, and love-driven style of governance.

The NDDC boss expressed optimism on the future of Ayakoro Community, noting that the solid foundation laid by the late monarch would inspire the emergence of leaders who would build on his legacy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the issuance of a Certificate of Patent to the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, for the production of three innovative tea varieties derived from turmeric rhizomes and leaves.

The patent follows a recent technological breakthrough by NRCRI scientists in the formulation and production of turmeric-based teas, a caffeine-free nutraceutical rich in curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with potential benefits for heart health, digestion, brain function, mood regulation, arthritis management and metabolic wellness.

Confirming the development to journalists in Umuahia on Monday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NRCRI, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, said the patent certificate was presented to the institute by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN.

Professor Egesi noted that the approval, granted in line with the Patent and Design Acts, Cap 344, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, provides full legal recognition for the institute’s innovation.

Describing the patent as a landmark achievement, he said it reflects NRCRI’s commitment to scientific research, agricultural value addition, commercialization of indigenous crops and the growth of Nigeria’s herbal wellness and nutraceutical industry.

“Turmeric, globally acclaimed for its medicinal and immune-boosting qualities, has been transformed by our research team, led by Dr. Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro, into novel tea products with strong commercial and health potential,” Egesi said.

He added that the innovation is expected to stimulate enterprise development, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the national economy, while strengthening Nigeria’s position in bio-innovation and natural products research.

Congratulating the researchers, Egesi said the federal government’s recognition underscores the growing strength of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the untapped potential of indigenous crops in driving sustainable development.

NRCRI is statutorily mandated to conduct research on the genetic improvement, production, processing, storage and utilization of root and tuber crops, including yam, cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam, ginger and related species, while also supporting agricultural extension services and capacity-building programmes across the Southeast agro-ecological zone.

The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its investigation into the robbery incidents at the Dr. Obi-Wali International Cultural Centre and Tottinno Filling Station, with the arrest of five additional suspects and the recovery of key exhibits.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspects were arrested separately at different locations within the Diobu and Ikoku areas of Port Harcourt between November 25 and 28, 2025, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.

Those arrested are Victor Ukabi (41) from Nkpa, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State; Basil Nwagazie (65) from Eziebodo, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State; Nkechinyere Wokem (30), a Point-of-Sale operator from Ubuohia Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State; Obinna Nwankwo (44) from Umu-Erim, Umuaji Uloke in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State; and Igwe Amabi Eze (51) from Osuofio, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, identified as a receiver of stolen items.

Police recalled that the alleged leader of the robbery gang, Bright Nwabueze, also known as “Bishop,” aged 53, was earlier intercepted and arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover, where two rifles were recovered from his vehicle.

Exhibits recovered in the course of the investigation include a 30KVA generator recovered from a buyer in Onitsha on December 12, 2025; inverter batteries recovered from a receiver’s shop at Ikoku; and two rifles.

The Police Command said the arrests and recoveries were achieved through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, describing them as a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation.

All suspects and recovered items are currently in police custody, while further investigations continue to track down other members of the syndicate.

Commending the operatives involved, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, urged residents to remain calm, maintain confidence in police operations, and continue to provide credible information to support the fight against crime in the state.

The Supreme Court on Monday struck out the suit filed by Adamawa State and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states challenging the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

The Atlantic Bell reports that President Tinubu, while declaring the emergency, suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and the State House of Assembly for six months.

In a split decision of six to one, the apex court held that the plaintiffs failed to establish any cause of action capable of invoking the court’s original jurisdiction.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris ruled that the 11 PDP states did not demonstrate the existence of any actionable dispute between them and the Federation to warrant the exercise of the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction.

Justice Idris held that Section 305 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency, does not expressly define the nature of extraordinary measures to be taken, thereby vesting the President with discretion on how to manage such situations.

He upheld the preliminary objections raised by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly, describing the suit as incompetent. Consequently, the court struck out the case for want of jurisdiction and proceeded to dismiss it on the merits.

However, Justice Obande Ogbuinya dissented, holding that while the President has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, such power does not extend to the suspension of elected state officials, including governors, deputy governors and members of the legislature.

The suit was instituted by Adamawa and 10 other PDP-controlled states to challenge the legality of the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State and the suspension of its elected officials.

Christians have been urged to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude to God Almighty, with clerics describing thanksgiving as a powerful spiritual covenant that unlocks divine blessings.

This charge was given by Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. Angela Faraday Iwuchukwu of the Redeemed Brethren Ministries, Port Harcourt, while delivering a sermon at the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Great Light of Life Ambassadors on a Mission (GLOLAM) Ministries, held at the weekend in Port Harcourt.

Rev. Iwuchukwu described thanksgiving as a core covenant between God and humanity, noting that God delights in gratitude whenever He extends grace and mercy. She outlined the benefits of thanksgiving to include a stronger relationship with God, the unlocking of fresh blessings and breakthroughs, and renewed strength to overcome life’s challenges.

She explained that thanksgiving is not limited to material offerings such as farm produce, cash or hampers brought to church, but also includes acts of kindness and goodwill extended to others.

“Small outreach gestures, kindness to neighbours, sharing leftover food or even giving out old clothes all amount to thanksgiving unto God,” she said.

The cleric further urged believers to consciously reflect on God’s goodness in their lives, stressing that even the gift of sleeping and waking up daily is worthy of thanksgiving. Quoting extensively from the Bible, she emphasized that God has good plans for everyone, achievable through patience, hard work, consistency and total reliance on Him.

Highlights of the event included thanksgiving presentations by various Light of Life family units, the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Team Lead and Superintendent Apostle General, Eze (Prof.) Samuel Ugochuku Onyeka (JP), as well as musical renditions by the Selected Voices of Opobo (SVO).

In his remarks, the Global Team Lead, Apostle General Onyeka, said the thanksgiving celebration was inspired by Leviticus 19:9, which underscores generosity and care for the vulnerable. He noted that GLOLAM is committed to raising future “Esthers” and “Josephs” who will dream, interpret vision and lead generations towards Nigeria’s centenary in 2060 and beyond.

Quoting John 8:12, he stated that the young Light Ambassadors would embody the Light of Life, manifest the fruits of the Spirit and uphold the Body of Christ on earth.

The programme also featured goodwill messages and testimonials from several clerics, including Senior Superintendent Apostle Professor Stanley Dimkpa, former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State chapter. Apostle Dimkpa commended the dedication of the GLOLAM leadership, while expressing concern that corruption and crime persist in the state despite its predominantly Christian population, particularly among politicians who claim to serve the people.

The Chairman of the Board of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Prof. Princewill Chike has described the progress recorded by the state health insurance scheme as enormous and heartwarming.

Prof. Chike made the remark through a board member, Dr Nnesochi Offor, on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Port Harcourt during activities marking the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day in Rivers State.

He expressed optimism that the inclusion of beneficiaries from both the formal and informal sectors would significantly expand access to quality healthcare and ensure that more residents benefit from the scheme.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, described Universal Health Coverage Day as a global moment for reflection and renewed commitment to the principle that healthcare is a fundamental human right.

She called on stakeholders and residents of the state to support the ongoing enrolment exercise, stressing that the success of the scheme depends on collective participation.

Dr Agala noted that the strides recorded in the state’s healthcare sector were anchored on “people-centred leadership,” commending Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his vision of a resilient and inclusive health system that has created an enabling environment for UHC to move from aspiration to implementation.

The RIVCHPP boss also acknowledged the support of the Deputy Governor, Dr Ngozi Ordu; the wife of the governor, Mrs Valerie Fubara; the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh; and members of the RIVCHPP board.

She urged residents to take advantage of the scheme, describing RIVCHPP as a state-wide framework for risk pooling, financial protection, and equitable access to healthcare services.

The UHC Day celebration, which commenced with a health and fitness walk, also featured a seminar, health outreach programmes, and goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders.

The Federal Government has begun developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven platform to tackle corruption by instantly verifying assets declared by public officers and flagging unexplained wealth.

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr Abubakar Bello, disclosed that the bureau is at an advanced stage of creating a fully digital asset declaration system, expected to go live in the first quarter of 2026.

Bello, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, said the new platform would allow public servants to declare their assets online from anywhere in the world, replacing the current manual process which, he noted, only addressed accessibility without effective verification.

According to him, the AI-powered system will be integrated with key national databases, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Bank Verification Number platform, land registries and other relevant government records for instant cross-checking.

He described the initiative as a “game changer,” noting that Artificial Intelligence would be deployed to analyse asset declarations by comparing the net worth of public officers at the beginning and end of their tenure.

“The system will automatically flag cases of unexplained wealth or possible breaches of the Code of Conduct for further action,” Bello said.

As part of reforms underway, the CCB chairman confirmed that ministers, permanent secretaries and other senior public officials have begun appearing before the bureau for physical asset verification, stressing that “verification is not investigation.”

He revealed that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had personally appeared for asset verification, describing the move as a strong demonstration of leadership by example.

Bello added that the verification exercise had already resulted in interim forfeiture orders in cases where public officers failed to declare assets or could not explain their sources, including properties located within and outside Nigeria.

He disclosed that some of the recovered funds had been paid into the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CCB chairman warned that any public servant who fails to declare assets or ignores verification invitations risks investigation and prosecution before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

He urged public officers to comply strictly with the bureau’s guiding principle, declaring, “Declare or forfeit.”