Connect with us

Headline

Only White Paper Can Confirm Alleged Killings – Chief Of Defence Staff

Published

on

Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor

…Cautions Against Inciting Comments

… Obaseki Solicits Armed Forces Support

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor on Tuesday evening in Benin City the Edo State Capital has said that only a white paper form the report of the Lagos State #ENDSARS Judicial panel which indicates that there were killings during the protest in Lekki, would confirm the alleged incidents.

He assured that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to their professional calling of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

He cautioned Nigerians against making inciting comments on what is happening across the country.

Advertisement

Speaking to journalists shortly after a courtesy visit on Governor Godwin Obaseki in government house, Irabor said the operations of the armed forces should not be compared to that of the police.

He added that his men and women remain professionals.

READ ALSO: Chief Of Air Staff Hints On When Insurgency, Banditry Would End

Advertisement

Irabor, who was on a farmiliarisation visit to military formations in the state said, “I am sure those of you in the media must have seen that there is a report that was released though in my view a wrong channel that is making the rounds in the social media.

“Whether it is a true report, I can’t tell but I would like to indicate that the normal procedure is to have such a report submitted to the convening authority and then there will be a white paper based on which one can make informed comments.

“But whatever you see currently, I will like to indicate that the armed forces of Nigeria is a professional armed forces. We are peopled by Nigerians and we remain committed to constitutional mandate, so we do not at this point think that Nigerians should make disparaging remarks regarding the armed forces of Nigeria in the sense that we are professional armed forces, and if there are issues, of course we address them within the ambits of the provision.

Advertisement

“It will not be right to disparage men and women who have worked so hard to ensure that the territorial integrity of this nation is kept intact; so, in the meantime, until I see the full report, I may not be able to… but I can assure you that the armed forces of Nigeria are well disciplined and we do not engage in any ignoble acts.

“If Nigerians don’t trust us then we wouldn’t have been doing what we are doing and in any case, it is the armed forces of Nigeria and remember, we are not talking about the police, we are talking about the armed forces with emphasis armed forces, so, when the armed forces are called out, it is because there is a need for the armed forces; there is no one who do not require and desire to live in peace, and so we need to understand that the armed forces is there to keep the peace to provide the ambience that will enable each and every Nigerian to live up his desires in peace and harmony, so let us not make inciting comments that will put the entire space on fire, that is not right.”

Earlier, Obaseki who lauded the CDS where the governor called for supported from the armed forces to check banditry and criminality in Edo forests and waterways.

Advertisement

According to him, “You are one person that we are very proud of; apart from being a well-decorated officer, in a short while, you have taken charge of the defense functions through your network. We have been watching with admiration the way you are coping and thriving with the very difficult challenge of stabilizing the security of this country.”

Obaseki, while calling for more collaboration with the military to improve security in Edo, said, “We have been able to record quite a lot of success in relation to what is going on in the rest of the country. We have some challenges and we would like you to support us. We are currently experiencing problems in some of our forests particularly the Okomu axis, which borders the Ose River.

“We find bandits and criminals coming there to undertake massive logging of woods and transport them; they now buy arms to reinforce their activities there. I am glad you came with all the men in the navy to see how you can give us additional support to patrol the waterways to checkmate the activities of these criminals.”

Advertisement

READ ALSO: BREAKING: EndSARS Panel Equates Killing Of Unarmed Protesters At Lekki Toll Gate To Massacre

He further noted, “In the last couple of weeks, we have found lifeless bodies in the forest, which is now a den for cultivation of cannabis. We would like to work with the military to rout out these criminals.

“We want to assure you that you can always count on us in Edo to help in working with you to stabilize the security situation in this country.”

Advertisement

Headline

UK Introduces Powers To Seize Phones, SIM Cards From Illegal Migrants

Published

on

The United Kingdom has rolled out expanded enforcement powers allowing authorities to confiscate mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants who enter the country illegally.

The new measures, which do not require an arrest, came into force on Monday at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent and represent a significant tightening of border controls.

According to the Home Office, the powers are intended to support intelligence-gathering operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks that organise and profit from dangerous Channel crossings.

Advertisement

Officials at the centre are equipped with technology that enables them to extract and analyse data from seized devices, a move the government says will help track and dismantle smuggling rings.

READ ALSO:Russia-Ukraine War: Pope Leo Calls For Global Christmas Truce

Under the revised rules, migrants are permitted to be asked to remove outer garments if there is suspicion that phones are being concealed.

Advertisement

In certain circumstances, officers may also check mouths for hidden SIM cards or small electronic items.

The National Crime Agency said information recovered from devices could accelerate investigations and improve the effectiveness of action against organised crime groups.

Border Security Minister Alex Norris said the policy was necessary to regain control of the UK’s borders and confront human trafficking operations.

Advertisement

We are committed to restoring order and tackling the people-smuggling gangs behind this lethal trade,” Norris said.

READ ALSO:

These stronger laws give authorities the tools to disrupt, intercept and dismantle these networks more quickly and effectively,” he added.

Advertisement

The legislation also introduces tougher criminal penalties linked to illegal crossings.

Individuals found storing or supplying boat engines for unauthorised journeys could face prison terms of up to 14 years, while those involved in researching equipment or plotting routes may be liable to sentences of up to five years.

Government officials stressed that the powers would be exercised with discretion.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:UK Unveils Record-breaking Bid For 2035 Women’s World Cup

The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said devices could be returned depending on individual circumstances and the relevance of the information obtained.

“If a device may contain intelligence that helps combat smuggling, it is right that it can be seized,” Tapp said, adding that the approach would not undermine compassion toward migrants.

Advertisement

However, humanitarian organisations have expressed unease about the impact of the policy.

The Refugee Council warned that mobile phones often serve as vital lifelines for migrants, enabling contact with family members and access to support services, and urged authorities to ensure the measures are applied in a proportionate and humane manner.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Headline

PROPHECY: Primate Ayodele Reveals Trump’s Plot Against Tinubu

Published

on

Primate Ayodele and Tinubu, Tinubu’s rice palliative, Primate Ayodele to Tinubu
Tinubu and Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that US President Donald Trump is after removing him from office.

This comes amid the removal of Vanezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by Donald Trump.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed Sunday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, made it known that the US President has ‘caged’ Tinubu and his plan is to ultimately see that he is removed from office.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Primate Ayodele Releases Fresh Prophecies On FIRS, FAAN, Others

He stated that the support the US is giving Nigeria to fight insecurity isn’t for nothing other than ways to penetrate the government.

“Trump is adamant to remove President Tinubu. America will be part of those who will be against Tinubu. You may not see it as I am being shown, and that’s why I am saying Trump is after removing Tinubu, that’s it and nothing more.”

Advertisement

The cleric made it known that, despite US’ help, Nigeria will continue to fight insecurity, but the ulterior motive of the US President isn’t about ending insecurity in the country.

READ ALSO:Guber Polls: Primate Ayodele Releases Prophecies On Anambra, Ekiti, Osun

Nigeria will still continue to fight insecurity, but either they fight it or not, Trump is focused on removing Tinubu from office, but he doesn’t know it yet. He isn’t after ending insecurity in the country, he knows what he wants and won’t stop at nothing towards achieving it.”

Advertisement

He urged the president to take a bold political step to overcome the plans of the US president; otherwise, he will end up succeeding with his plans.

“Tinubu must take a very bold step to overcome the plans of Trump, because he has caged him already. Tinubu must not relent his efforts and bring up strategies for him to succeed otherwise, he would be at the losing end while his defeat would be celebrated,” he added.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Headline

JAPA: Top Six Countries To Obtain Easiest Citizenship

Published

on

As a Nigerian considering relocation plans, interest in countries with clear and less complicated citizenship pathways is a smart way to not just guarantee greener pastures, but also provide you with the opportunity to feel more at home in a foreign land. While some of the programmes are ancestry-based, others allow Nigerians with such a link to try other means.

Contents
1. Dominica
2. Ireland
3. Turkey
4. Portugal
5. Vanuatu
6. Italy
Though rules vary widely across borders, some nations stand out for offering citizenship through investment or family ties with fewer hurdles and faster processing timelines.

Below are the top six countries with the easiest citizenship:

Advertisement

1. Dominica
Dominica operates a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows applicants to qualify through a contribution to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in approved real estate. Processing typically takes a few months. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone. There is no residency requirement, and dual citizenship is permitted.

READ ALSO:Japa: 5 Affordable European Countries Nigerians Can Relocate To

2. Ireland
Ireland provides a clear citizenship pathway for individuals with Irish ancestry. Those with an Irish-born parent qualify automatically, while people with an Irish-born grandparent can apply through the Foreign Births Register. An Irish passport grants full European Union rights, including freedom of movement across EU countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, and there is no language requirement for applicants applying by descent.

Advertisement

3. Turkey
Turkey offers a fast-track citizenship option through investment. Foreign nationals who purchase qualifying real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000 can obtain citizenship within a few months. The programme does not require residency or renunciation of an existing nationality. Turkish passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, with ongoing efforts to expand travel agreements.

4. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme provides a residency-to-citizenship route for foreign investors. After five years of legal residence and meeting programme conditions, applicants may apply for citizenship. Approved investment options include venture capital funds and other qualifying assets. Successful applicants gain an EU passport, access to the Schengen Area, and dual citizenship, subject to passing a basic Portuguese language test.

READ ALSO:Japa: Lagos Suffers Deficit Of 30,000 Doctors, Commissioner Laments

Advertisement

5. Vanuatu
Vanuatu runs one of the world’s fastest citizenship programmes. Through its Development Support Programme, eligible applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months after making the required financial contribution. The country offers visa-free access to over 100 destinations and has no tax on global income or capital gains. Residency requirements are minimal.

6. Italy
Italy grants citizenship by descent to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, following a 2025 legal update that tightened eligibility rules. Applicants must provide official documents proving a direct family link to an Italian ancestor. Italian citizenship comes with full EU rights, wide visa-free travel, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. Dual nationality is allowed, and no language test is required for descent-based applications.
(Tribune)

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending