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Nigeria deceiving itself,  border closure is not effective –NASS tells Federal Govt

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Nigeria’s border closure, a policy intended to curb smuggling and bolster national security, is being increasingly criticised by lawmakers as ineffective and counterproductive.

During a joint committee session of the National Assembly on Industry, Trade, and Investment, members expressed concerns over the growing insecurity and economic fallout resulting from the policy, particularly in states bordering Niger and Chad.

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The issue took center stage at the 2025 budget defense session, where Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, opened the discussion by questioning the viability of the closed borders. Fadaunsi, representing Osun East (PDP), pointed out that the policy was not just failing to prevent smuggling but was instead exacerbating it. He argued that the closure had become a mere technicality, with porous borders allowing illegal activities to thrive unchecked.

“The borders are practically open, and we are fooling ourselves with the notion of closure. The recent exit of Niger and Chad from ECOWAS and the opening of their borders to Nigerians have worsened insecurity, especially in states sharing borders with these countries. It is time to rethink the policy,” Fadaunsi stated. He highlighted the negative impact on Nigeria’s economy, particularly in agricultural production, where smuggling is undermining efforts to boost local rice production.

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Fadaunsi pointed to the alarming shortfall in local rice production—3 million tons compared to a national consumption rate of 7 million tons—with much of the deficit being smuggled in through porous borders. “Rather than curbing smuggling, the border closure is encouraging it,” he emphasized.

The criticism was echoed by Hon. Fatima Talba, representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, who questioned the real impact of the policy on the ground. “In my constituency, the borders are as open as ever. Criminals and ordinary citizens are freely moving across them. We cannot keep fooling ourselves with this policy,” she declared.

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Hon. Paul Kalejaiye of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos also raised pertinent questions about the border policy’s implementation. “What is the actual scope of the border closure? Are all borders in the country closed, or are only select ones affected? This needs to be clarified,” he said.

The concerns prompted the committee, chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), to urge Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, to engage with the Presidency for a clearer path forward. Oduwole, who was presenting her ministry’s budget for 2025, had earlier outlined a capital expenditure of N3.8 billion, a personnel cost of N4.65 billion, and an overhead of N1.45 billion, with a projected revenue of N2.4 billion. However, the committee flagged some discrepancies in the budget documents, including a misstatement of N59 billion as the payment for a N50 billion project, and instructed the ministry to make corrections.

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As debates continue over the future of Nigeria’s border closure, the government faces increasing pressure to reconcile security concerns with economic realities, particularly in the face of escalating insecurity and smuggling.

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282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos

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282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos

A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.

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The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

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According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.

He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.

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“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.

“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.

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“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”

“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.

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Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.

“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.

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80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

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80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State under the amnesty programme of the state government.

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The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Sokoya said that the militants surrendered in the early hours of Friday, at Atimbo Rear Area, following Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, within the area of responsibility of the 13 Brigade.

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According to him, the repentant militants emerged from two camps, with one group led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters.

He said that the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.

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Sokoya added that assorted arms, ammunition and other items, were also voluntarily surrendered during the exercise.

He said that these included: rifles, pump-action guns, single-barrel weapons, magazines, ammunition, speed boats, boat engines and other military-related equipment.

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The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Paul Alimikhena, described the development as a major confidence-building milestone.

He attributed it to sustained military operations, constructive engagement and effective collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.

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He said that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment, while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths, and ensuring lasting peace across in the area.

The commander said that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the state’s Department of State Services (DSS).

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He commended the State Government, under Gov. Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. (NAN)

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My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

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My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

A Harare woman, Melocia Gwata, has successfully obtained a court-issued protection order against her husband, George Kusotera, following allegations of excessive sexual demands and physical abuse.

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The case was heard at the Harare Civil Court before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga, where Melocia detailed the severity of her ordeal. She told the court that her husband had coerced her into sexual activity up to eight times a night, resorting to violence whenever she refused.

“He wants to have s3x every day and wakes me up in the middle of the night, even after we’ve been intimate countless times on the same day,” Melocia stated.

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She further described how the abuse extended beyond physical coercion, with George allegedly threatening divorce and verbally assaulting her in front of their children.

“He has been assaulting me in front of our children, shouting obscenities and telling them I don’t deserve to be called their mother,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll the behaviour has taken on her and the family.

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In response, George acknowledged his actions, apologising to his wife and attributing his conduct to love. “I did not realise I was making her uncomfortable. I apologise and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he told the court.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Taruvinga granted Melocia a protection order, legally preventing her husband from further abuse and ensuring her safety.

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