Visa Policy: Tunji-Ojo Meets With US Envoy, Says FG Will Curb Overstay By Nigerians

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has met with the United States ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills over the recently introduced visa procedures by the US government for Nigerians.

Tunjo-Ojo disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, a day after the US announced a major change to its visa policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens.

“Our government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR), will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas,” he said in a post on his X handle.

According to the minister, the gathering was aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.

He said the recently introduced visa procedures by the US government for Nigerian nationals were discussed during the meeting.

READ ALSO: US Restricts Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas To Three Months, Single Entry

Tunji-Ojo stated said the US ambassador provided “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process”.

“The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country,” he stated.

“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.

“Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety,” the minister added.

The meeting, which was held in Abuja on Wednesday, had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

The embassy said nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry and valid for only three months, adding that this is part of a global reciprocity realignment, a sharp shift from previous visa terms, which often allowed for multiple entries over two years or more.

24 Terrorists Killed In Six Days As Troops Intensify Offensive

Combined Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 24 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in a renewed offensive into enclaves across various locations within the North-East theatre of operations. 

Among those killed were five logistics suppliers who were ambushed in night operations.

The coordinated operations took place between 4th and 9th July in Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu triangle, the Mandara Mountains, and other known locations. This resulted in the recovery of several arms, ammunition, logistics, and other fighting equipment.

The troops also recovered motorcycles, bicycles, food condiments, footwear, and terrorist uniforms.

According to the Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the operations were intelligence-driven and guided by intelligence gathered

Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam said the operations were conducted by the combined troops of the Air Force component, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and the Nigerian Army.

The spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, gave details of the operations in a statement.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI NEUTRALIZE 24 BOKO HARAM INSURGENTS AND RECOVER WEAPONS IN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS BETWEEN 4 – 9 JULY 2025

In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 – 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists.

In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of 3 terrorists.

Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter. On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items.

Relatedly, troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government. During the deliberate operations, the resilient troops came into contact with the insurgents. Consequently, 2 terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items.

In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area. The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorists, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area.

In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions. Accordingly, 3 terrorists met their Waterloo, while troops continued exploitation of the area.

Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorists’ crossing point along the roads Ngoshe – Gava, Ngoshe – Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda – Gava areas.Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralized while others fled.

On 7 July 2025 also, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists’ logistics suppliers and successfully neutralized 2 insurgents. On exploitation of the area, the gallant troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items.

On 8 July 2025, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave. In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed.

Additionally, troops in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted fighting patrol at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray. Consequent upon the firefight, the troops neutralized a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon. The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorists activities.

In another coordinated clearance operations conducted on 8 July 2025 at Bula Marwa, troops neutralized a terrorist fighter, while others fled. Items recovered included a gun and terrorists’ uniforms. Troops also destroyed the insurgents’ camp.

On 9 July 2025, troops in joint operations with Civilian Joint Task Force, also conducted a clearance operation in JAS/ISWAP enclave at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. After a heavy firefight, 3 insurgents were eliminated. Terrorists’ life supporting structures in the camp, were also destroyed completely. Troops recovered six AK 47 rifles 47 magazines and ninety rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during exploitation of the area.

In furtherance of the offensive operations, troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted ambush at Ngailda, Manjim and Wulle villages, where contact was made with the insurgents. Following the contact, troops successfully eliminated 6 terrorists while others fled in disarray. Items recovered by the troops during exploitation included motorcycles and bicycles.

The neutralisation of 24 insurgents with close air support underscores the determination, collaboration, and concerted efforts by the troops of OPHK, to ensure terrorists are placed on the back foot, thereby creating conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region.

Akwa Ibom Extends N20,000 NYSC Allowance To Serving Indigenes

In a move to enhance youth welfare, Akwa Ibom has announced the extension of the N20,000 monthly allowance earlier approved for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the state to all its indigenes serving across the nation.

This was part of the decisions reached at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, and presided over by Governor Umo Eno.

According to the excerpts of the meeting made available to the media, the approval is “intended to cushion living expenses and promote the well-being of corps members.”

It stated that the “grant is subject to periodic review based on prevailing circumstances”.

Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information, who endorsed the excerpts, said the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council also raised a Committee to “engage with the management of key investments, including Rafia City Hotels (Four Points by Sheraton), with a view to strengthening mutually beneficial business relationships”.

The committee, which was given 30 days to submit its report, was further mandated to design and propose a “sustainable and efficient management framework for the Ibom Hotels and Apartments brand across Nigeria, including the establishment of a functional and well-composed Board to oversee its operations”.

Last week, Governor Eno approved an increase in the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state from N5,000 to ₦20,000 with effect from August 1, 2025.

Governor Eno stated that the increment was to support the Federal Government’s ₦77,000 monthly allowance, helping Corps members meet their basic needs.

NAPTIP Busts Human Trafficking Syndicate In Katsina, Rescues Three Women

Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Katsina State Command, have busted an inter-state human trafficking syndicate and rescued three young women forced into prostitution.

The agency also arrested three suspected members of the trafficking ring, believed to specialise in the recruitment, harbouring, and trafficking of young girls from various parts of the country to the northern region for sexual exploitation.

The raid was confirmed in a statement, dated 9 July 2025, by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye.

The agency revealed that the suspects were apprehended in one of the prominent hotels in Katsina township (name withheld), where three victims were also rescued. The hotel’s manager and two other workers were taken into custody during the raid. The statement added that victims, aged between 21 and 26, are from Benue and Rivers States.

According to the agency, the bust follows a recent directive from its Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, instructing operatives nationwide to intensify surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts to tackle increasing cases of inter-state trafficking.

READ ALSO: Fleeing Murder Suspect Nabbed While Trying To Sell Stolen Vehicle

According to Adekoye, “The Director General had earlier asked that operatives pay close attention to activities around hotels, drinking joints, and motor parks in state capitals to disrupt criminal networks.”

He disclosed that during the raid, the victims were discovered in a small, poorly furnished room within the hotel complex, while the traffickers were found in a well-equipped room within the same premises, allegedly enjoying the proceeds of their exploitation.

Speaking with NAPTIP operatives after their rescue, one of the victims recounted her traumatic experience.

“I was brought here by a woman (name withheld). She promised to give us a job and said we would be paid very well. I asked her the nature of the job, but she said I would find out when I got here. When we arrived, she introduced us to prostitution, which was not what we were told,” she said.

“We sleep with at least 20 men every day, and all the money goes to the chairlady of the place, called Amarachi. Even during our monthly period or when we are sick or tired, they force us to sleep with men. They told us our feelings don’t matter—only the money. They even give us Fearless energy drinks every night to keep us going,” she added in tears.

The victim also disclosed that the traffickers not only took all their earnings but also paid men to keep watch over them, preventing their escape and ensuring their continued exploitation.

Reacting to the operation, NAPTIP Director General Binta Adamu Bello condemned the complicity of certain hotel operators in enabling trafficking rings.

“I wish to commend the operatives of NAPTIP in Katsina for the raid and rescue of the victims. Their stories are painful and sad. They were deceived, recruited, trafficked, and forced into prostitution. While they faced horror every day, their traffickers were somewhere within the same hotel, feeding fat on the proceeds of the exploitation,” Bello said.

She added that the hotel in question would face appropriate legal sanctions in accordance with anti-trafficking laws.

Malnutrition Denying 40% Of Nigerian Children Their Full Potential — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has raised alarm over the scale of malnutrition in Nigeria, warning that the condition is depriving nearly 40 per cent of children under the age of five of their full physical and cognitive potential.

Speaking at the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security held in Abuja, Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, described the situation as a national crisis that must be tackled urgently and collectively.

“It is a reminder of the burden that we bear — a malnutrition crisis that continues to rob nearly 40% of Nigerian children under five of their physical and cognitive potential.

“It is a reminder that food insecurity is not only about hunger. It is also about whether our people can afford, access, and accept the food that meets their nutritional needs.

“It is about the economy. It is about education. It is about the very building blocks of human capital that this nation so urgently needs,” he said.

READ ALSO: One In Six Katsina Children Die Before Celebrating 5th Birthday – UNICEF

The vice president announced that the federal government had launched the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a grassroots-focused programme aimed at addressing malnutrition in the country’s most neglected communities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima. X/@stanleynkwocha_

According to him, the initiative has been approved by the National Council on Nutrition, which he chairs.

He stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had repositioned nutrition as a core pillar of Nigeria’s national development agenda under the Renewed Hope strategy.

“At the heart of this strategy lies the Nutrition 774 Initiative, our flagship grassroots framework designed not for elegance on paper, but for impact in the most forgotten corners of our nation,” Shettima noted.

He said the Nutrition 774 Strategic Board, a high-level governance body, has been inaugurated to oversee the implementation of the initiative. The board, according to him, includes legislators, civil society actors, and government technocrats.

“This is how we institutionalise accountability. This is how we end the season of rhetoric and usher in a season of results. In this quest, we are not alone.”

Shettima expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s development partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Nutrition International, among others, for their support in strengthening community-based nutrition interventions.

He, however, called for better coordination and alignment among stakeholders to avoid fragmented efforts.

“The era of fragmented interventions is over. We can no longer afford parallel systems that dilute our collective strength. Nigeria needs one plan, one voice, one framework, and unified accountability. Anything less is a betrayal of the children who depend on us.”

The Vice President also lauded the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly for establishing a National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security and replicating the committee across all 36 states — a development he described as “an unprecedented stride in legislative engagement.”

Constitution Review: North-West Fixes New Dates For Public Hearing 

The Senate’s zonal public hearing on the ongoing constitution review process will take place on July 18 and 19th according to the geopolitical zone in the Senate.

On 4 and 5 July, the review’s remaining five geopolitical zones held zononal public hearings.

However, the Senate’s plenary session for the North West, which was originally scheduled to take place in Kano, the state capital, was postponed on Tuesday, last week.

The delay was made in response to Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s passing, who passed away on Saturday, June 28, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on June 30.

Senator Barau Jibrin, the deputy president of the Senate, made the announcement during Wednesday’s plenary.

A Just Federation, According to Akpabio, can be guaranteed by Constitutional Review.

Senator Barau, who presided over the session, urged all senators from the zone’s 21 senatorial districts to actively participate and mobilize their constituents to attend the public hearing, citing it as a crucial opportunity for citizens’ input.