By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the suspension of senior officers overseeing key commands along the Lagos-Seme corridor following allegations of extortion.

The suspension follows the circulation of online reports accusing immigration personnel at the busy border route of misconduct “bordering on extortion,” prompting immediate intervention from the agency’s leadership.

According to a spokesperson of the border controller, Akinsola Akinlabi, in a statement on Friday, April 10, the NIS Comptroller-General, Mrs Kemi Nandap, had “temporarily relieved the Comptrollers in charge of the affected Commands of their duties” pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

The service distanced itself from the alleged conduct, with Mrs Nandap condemning the actions in strong terms, describing the incidents as “unacceptable” and in “direct violation of the core values, ethics, and operational standards of the Service”.

According to the statement, a full-scale probe has been launched to uncover the extent of the нарушения, identify officers involved, and enforce sanctions without delay.

“The investigation will be comprehensive… ensuring appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect,” the statement said.

While the probe continues, the Service sought to reassure the public of its commitment to professionalism at Nigeria’s borders.

“The service wishes to reassure the general public that it remains committed to delivering professional, transparent, and efficient services at all points of entry and exit,” it stated.

“It will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the service.”

The agency also called on Nigerians to report misconduct through its official complaint channels, including social media platforms and its 24-hour contact centre, noting that internal oversight mechanisms are being strengthened.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its mission to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism while facilitating lawful migration,” the statement added.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Mikano International Limited has refuted allegations linking its chairman, Mr Mofid Karameh, to criminal activity.

In a statement on Friday, the company described as false a report by an online news platform that Mr Karameh was involved in, investigated for, or associated with illegal activity.

“These claims are entirely unfounded, baseless, and defamatory,” the firm said, describing such allegations as “a gross misrepresentation of his character and the values he upholds.”

“For more than three decades, Mikano International Limited has built a solid reputation grounded in integrity, transparency, and responsible business conduct across Nigeria and beyond.

“We take this reputation seriously and are deeply concerned by the dissemination of unverified information capable of misleading the public and unjustly harming both personal and corporate credibility.

“We urge our partners, clients, and the general public to disregard the report in its entirety,” the statement made available to Business Post said.

Mikano said it was “currently reviewing all available legal options and will take appropriate action to defend the reputation of our chairman and the organisation.”

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence across all sectors in which we operate and sincerely appreciate the continued trust and support of our stakeholders,” it stressed.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians and the media to stand with the military to end terrorism in the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday night to mourn the loss of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of today, Mr Tinubu “expressed deep sadness” over the incident.

Some Boko Haram terrorists had launched a coordinated terrorist attack on the military camp, killing Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah and others.

While praising the courage and heroism of the dead soldiers, the President urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the military high command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The federal government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.