The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday re-elected Hon. Rufus Bature as the party’s state chairman during its State Congress held in Jos.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigerian Army has deployed Major General Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Division, to lead intensified military operations against bandits in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The deployment follows directives from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, in response to deadly attacks that displaced residents of Mansur, Futuk, Digare, and Gwana communities.

According to a military report, the move forms part of renewed efforts to curb violence in the affected areas and restore residents’ confidence.

Naija News reports that Major General Oyinlola later paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House, briefing him on ongoing operations and the military’s next steps.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Oyinlola assured that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are being deployed to restore normalcy. He stated that troops have intensified clearance operations, boosted surveillance at key flashpoints, and strengthened coordination with other security agencies in the state.

He added that intelligence-driven efforts are underway to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt armed groups responsible for the attacks. Additional personnel and logistical support have also been mobilized to maintain a strong security presence in Alkaleri and neighboring communities.

Governor Mohammed, in his remarks, pledged the state government’s continued support for security agencies. He emphasized that, alongside military action, the government would enhance community engagement and implement socio-economic programs to address the root causes of insecurity.

The deployment comes amid growing concerns over banditry in Bauchi, with residents calling for a sustained military presence to prevent further displacement and loss of lives.

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The United Kingdom (UK) Home Office has announced an unprecedented suspension of certain visa categories for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, citing concerns that some applicants are exploiting legal migration routes to claim asylum.

Under the new directive, study visas for citizens of these four countries have been halted, while work visas for Afghans have also been suspended.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the decision, describing it as necessary to prevent abuse of Britain’s immigration system. She emphasized that the UK will continue to protect those fleeing genuine danger but insisted that the asylum system must not be manipulated.

“Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused,” Mahmood said. “That is why I am taking the unprecedented step of refusing visas for nationals seeking to exploit our generosity. I will restore order and control to our borders.”

The Home Office described the move as “unprecedented,” marking the first time such broad visa restrictions have been applied to specific nationalities over asylum concerns.

Official figures show that roughly 39% of the 100,000 asylum claims in 2025 were made by people who initially entered the UK through legal migration routes, including study visas. Students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan accounted for a significant portion of the sharp increase in claims recorded between 2021 and September 2025.

Officials argue that this trend indicates some migrants are using student visas as a “backdoor” to remain in the UK permanently through asylum claims.

The visa suspension will formally take effect on Thursday, accompanied by changes to immigration rules. Mahmood is also expected to outline broader reforms to tighten the asylum system in a speech on the same day.

Under the proposed measures, refugee status will be reviewed every 30 months, and those whose home countries are later deemed safe would be required to return, aiming to make the UK less attractive to illegal migrants.

Earlier, Mahmood had threatened to suspend all UK visas for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless their governments agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants. The warning prompted cooperation agreements, and deportation flights were arranged to repatriate affected individuals.