News
Kogi State enforces ban on rallies, public gatherings amidst riding security concerns
In view of the growing security concerns in Kogi State, the government has announced a ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.
According to a statement on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo, the decision comes after reports of planned violent rallies disguised as political and religious agitations surfaced.
The Commissioner averred that the state government has taken proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the peace and security of the state.
Explaining further, Fanwo said “With recent incidents in various local government areas, including clashes in communities and tensions rising due to planned rallies, the government has deemed it necessary to implement stricter security measures.
“The ban on public gatherings includes suspending all fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area until peace is completely restored after recent clashes resulted in the loss of lives.
Additionally, security operatives have been deployed to affected areas to restore calm and implement the directive.
“Furthermore, in Ankpa Local Government Area, communal clashes between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala are threatening the peace in Kogi East. Security personnel have been deployed to the area to calm the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.
“The ban on rallies and public gatherings applies to all individuals, groups, or organizations within the state until further notice. The government acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to express themselves but emphasizes that security considerations must take precedence for public safety.
“The state government has also directed that any individual or group entering Kogi State with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands to prevent unauthorized movements and ensure the presence of duly accredited security agents.
“To ensure strict enforcement of these measures, the State Security Adviser has been tasked to work closely with all security agencies and maintain high alertness to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.
Fanwo added that the government urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“With the Chief Servant of Kogi State leading efforts to protect lives and property and maintain peace and stability in the state, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities.
The government reassures the public that any attempt to undermine the peace and security of Kogi State will be met with the full force of the law.
“By implementing these measures and collaborating with security agencies and community leaders, the Kogi State Government is committed to safeguarding the state and providing a safe environment for all residents” the statement added.
Image: Barter trade
Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State has reopened its centuries-old barter market, a unique trade hub in West Africa, as part of activities marking the council’s 34th anniversary.
The celebration, held at the council headquarters, brought together residents, traditional leaders, and political figures who hailed the return of peace to the area.
They described it as the foundation for Akpabuyo’s renewed economic prospects.
Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, said the reopening of the barter market was a landmark development, crediting Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for restoring stability in the community.
Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.
Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.
Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe highlighted Akpabuyo’s natural maritime position, bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean.
He emphasised that the government investment in dredging, deep-sea port projects, and marine preservation will reinforce its role in trade and agriculture.
“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.
Council Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, said hosting the first official anniversary of Akpabuyo’s creation was a privilege, noting that the event was made possible by improved security.
“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he said.
Hon. Effiong also revealed plans to remodel the barter market into a world-class commercial hub to attract more investors and cross-border traders from Cameroon and beyond.
News
INTERPOL arrests 1,209 cybercriminals, recovers $97.4m
Nigeria was one of 18 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, that took part in the operations.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL)’s enforcement agencies across Africa arrested 1,209 major cybercriminals and recovered USD 97.4 million.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, gave the statistics during the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
He explained that the operation, code-named Serengeti 2.0 and coordinated by INTERPOL between June and August 2025, targeted high-impact cybercrimes including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and online investment scams. “
The report said that Nigeria was one of 18 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, that took part in the operation.
The wider African operation dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, ranging from command-and-control servers to fraudulent domains.
In Angola authorities shut down 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centres operated by 60 Chinese nationals who were unlawfully validating blockchain transactions to generate digital currency.
The crackdown also led to the seizure of 45 unauthorised power stations and mining equipment valued at over USD 37 million.”
News
Nigerian Passport Now N100,000, N200,000 from Sept 1
Applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that the fee for a 32-page passport with five-year validity will rise to N100,000, while a 64-page passport with ten-year validity will cost N200,00.
The new rates take effect from September 1, 2025.
NIS, in a a statement posted on its X handle yesterday, by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said that the adjustment is aimed at sustaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring efficient service delivery
The revised charges apply only to passport applications processed within Nigeria.
Before now, the 32-page Passport with five-year validity cost N50,000 after it was increased from N35,000.
Also, the 64-page passport with a 10-year, was N100,000 after being initially increased from N70, 000.
However, passport application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged.
Applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport.
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