The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called for stronger security measures across the South-West following a series of kidnappings and violent attacks in the region, including the recent abduction of 10 travellers along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road in Ogun State.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, expressed concern over the abduction of the travellers, who were reportedly travelling from Ijebu-Ode to Ibadan, with their abductors demanding a ransom of N25m.

The organisation noted that while it is relieved that the victims were ultimately rescued or released, “we are deeply saddened that these disheartening incidents are occurring at all, as they remind us that much still needs to be done to secure the people and ensure their safety.”

To permanently end banditry, kidnapping, and allied criminalities in the region, the Afenifere spokesman proposed structural, legal and operational measures.

He said, “South-West governments should acquire modern, high-grade weapons for the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun so its personnel can match the firepower of armed criminals.

“Official security agencies and local outfits should be integrated and structured into tactical squads to effectively patrol ungoverned woodlands and forests.

“Governments should procure and deploy drones, modern communication gadgets and rapid-response systems to monitor forests and border areas.

“Full financial autonomy should be granted to local government councils to enable them to directly fund grassroots policing and maintain regular patrols in vulnerable rural communities.

“Mechanised farming and youth vocational programmes should be established to provide gainful employment and curb criminal recruitment. Strict judicial penalties must be enforced without compromise to deter banditry and violent crimes.

“Effective bottom-up reporting chains should be created so residents can immediately report suspicious movements to ward leaders, community heads, and security agencies.

“Obas, Baales, community leaders and security agencies must work proactively to coordinate neighbourhood watch groups, screen new arrivals in rural settlements and maintain local early-warning systems.”

The organisation stressed that among the victims of recent abduction was Dapo, who had just completed his National Youth Service Corps scheme in Edo State.

It added that the incident occurred just weeks after prospective NYSC members travelling from Ibadan were abducted in Imo State on October 1, 2026.

Afenifere said, “Similarly, the abduction at FRIN—which is also located along the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode highway—followed a comparable incident at the same location just a few months prior.

“Other recent violent incidents cited in the statement include: the beheading of a farmer in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State; the kidnapping of Prince Michael Folarin in Igbeti, Oyo State; the abduction of a 33-year-old poultry farmer, Mr Ooreoluwa Osonuga, in Ogun State; the abduction of Honourable Debo Farounbi in Ora, Osun State and a string of ongoing kidnappings across parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.”

Ajayi emphasised that the current security situation in the heartland of Yorubaland demands concerted efforts from Federal and State Governments, security agencies, and local communities.

He observed that existing regional initiatives have yet to adequately curb the menace, referencing Operation Kosaye—recently launched by the Ogun and Lagos State governments—alongside tripartite security arrangements between Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, and joint governors’ security meetings such as the one held in Ibadan on November 25, 2025.

“While these efforts are acknowledged, the fact that insecurity, particularly kidnapping, persists on our land suggests that current measures are not enough,” it added.

Afenifere stressed that there is a need for more focused, strategic, and better-coordinated actions from the authorities and security agencies in conjunction with local communities across the region.

The statement also referenced recent remarks by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who warned at last Saturday’s Barewa Old Boys’ Association lecture in Gombe that the high number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria poses a severe threat to national security.

Afenifere said, “While speaking on the theme, “The Scourge of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria and the Implications for National Security and National Development,” the Sultan echoed his earlier warning from December 9, 2024, at the graduation ceremony of 1,897 Almajiri and 1,087 out-of-school adolescent girls at the Sultan Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies in Sokoto.

“Represented on that occasion by the Ciroma of Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, the Sultan had decried the neglect of young children under the Almajiri system, noting that their vulnerability makes them easy targets for criminal recruitment in exchange for food, and urged traditional rulers to take a stand against street begging.”

Consequently, Afenifere called on governments at all levels to prioritise public education and introduce welfare programmes that take children off the streets, thereby cutting off the recruitment pipeline for bandits and criminals.

Source: punchng.com

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Canada is introducing a time-limited measure to transition up to 100,000 workers and their eligible family members already living in the country to permanent residents, as part of a wider plan to process applications for thousands of other migrants and families awaiting decisions.

The measure, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on Tuesday, also provides for up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada to obtain permanent residence.

Another 12,600 people who have already been found eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds are also expected to benefit.

The Canadian government said the measure would provide additional admission spaces in 2027 to accelerate the processing of applications from people already living in the country.

It said the workers’ cohort would be implemented in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments to address regional labour needs, while the humanitarian cohort would help fulfil existing commitments, keep families together and reduce application backlogs.

According to a backgrounder published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the workers’ category includes people who have already applied under selected federal immigration programmes, including the Atlantic Immigration Program, Start-up Visa Program, Self-Employed Persons Program, Agri-Food Pilot and home care worker programmes.

Provinces and territories will also be able to nominate workers who meet their regional labour requirements through increased Provincial Nominee Programme allocations.

The government said the measure would help people who had already established themselves in Canadian communities but were waiting for permanent residence decisions.

Immigration minister

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said, “Canada is building on its progress to return sustainability to our immigration system while honouring the commitments we made to those in need.

“The time-limited measure announced with our levels plan will allow us to deliver faster on our promises to people from Hong Kong and Ukraine, giving them certainty as they continue to build their lives and contribute to our country.”

The announcement also provides for the processing of outstanding applications from Hong Kong residents and Ukrainians under previously established permanent residence pathways.

Canada government said it aimed to process all remaining applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways, which closed to new applicants on August 31, 2026.

The applications are expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions.

Ukraine family reunification pathway

It also plans to process all remaining applications under the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway, which closed to new applications on October 22, 2024.

The applications are expected to result in up to 18,800 admissions.

This two groups account for a combined potential 50,800 permanent resident admissions.

Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Agincourt, said, “After five years of advocacy alongside the Hong Kong community, I am proud that we have achieved a path forward for the individuals and families who choose to call Canada home.

“I thank them for their patience and resilience. I know they will enrich our communities through their positive and lasting contributions to Canada.”

Michael Ma, Member of Parliament for Markham—Unionville, said the measure would provide greater certainty for applicants who had been waiting for decisions.

“Through my work with Hong Kong pathway applicants and their families, I have heard how difficult it is to plan for the future while waiting for a decision. I thank the community for its persistent, respectful advocacy.

“Finalizing all remaining applications by the end of 2027 is an important step toward honouring Canada’s commitment and giving families greater certainty.

“I will continue working with the Minister and those who have already built lives and contributed so much to Markham–Unionville and communities across Canada,” he said.

Yvan Baker, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, said the measure would also support Canadian businesses and the economy.

“Honouring our existing commitments is not only the right thing to do, it will also strengthen Canada’s economy by ensuring Canadian businesses have access to the workforce they need to compete and by providing people the certainty they need to pursue the training and professional qualifications that will help maximize their contributions to Canada.

“The new immigration levels plan complements the reforms that we are making to restore sustainability to our immigration system while enabling people already contributing to Canada’s economy to contribute even more,” he said.

Ukraine, Hong Kong leaders react

The National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Alexandra Chyczij, welcomed the decision.

Chyczij stated, “The Ukrainian Canadian community welcomes the new measures announced by the government that will address the backlog of Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway applications by the end of 2027.

“We thank Minister Metlege Diab for taking the time to hear the perspectives of the Ukrainian community—including on permanent residence pathways for Ukrainians in Canada on the CUAET visa—and look forward to continuing dialogue with the Minister.”

A physician and community representative, Dr Henry Pang, said the measure would also help address healthcare workforce needs.

“The time-limited measure presented in this year’s immigration levels plan gives our Hong Kong community renewed hope.

“By clearing the backlog for the Hong Kong pathways, Canada will not only honour its commitment, it will also unlock valuable health care manpower that is already here in Canada, contributing to our economy and public services.

“We are grateful to the Government of Canada and the many Hong Kong organizations and our supporters whose respectful advocacy helped make this measure possible,” he said.

The government said the measure would not create new immigration programmes or reopen pathways that had closed to new applications.

Applicants would not need to take any additional steps or contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to have their applications considered under the additional spaces.

It added that the people covered by the measure were already living, working and contributing to Canada and therefore would not represent net new arrivals.

The measure forms part of Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, which the government said was designed to return immigration to sustainable levels while improving processing times and providing greater certainty for applicants.

Source: punchng.com

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cancelled the leave of police personnel assigned to election security ahead of the 2027 general elections and ordered an intensified crackdown on bandits nationwide.

Disu also directed the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility, and air support to communities affected by bandit attacks, and gave Commissioners of Police in affected states 72 hours to submit updated security threat assessments and operational requirements.

The police chief announced the directives on Wednesday during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.

The IGP, who acknowledged that bandit attacks were still ongoing in some states, said the police would intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with local communities to tackle the security challenges.

He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to the affected areas in consultation with the respective commands.

“Bandit attacks are ongoing in some states across the federation, and communities in those areas continue to face real threats to their safety and livelihoods.

This is a challenge we are confronting directly, and I will not allow this conference to pretend otherwise.

“I am therefore directing as follows, with immediate effect: all Commissioners of Police in affected commands are to submit updated threat assessments and operational requirements to Force Headquarters within 72 hours.

“I want specifics, not generalities. The DIG in charge of Operations is to coordinate the immediate deployment of additional personnel, mobility and air support to the most affected areas, in consultation with the commands concerned.

“Intelligence-led operations must be sustained and intensified. Every command must have a standing operational plan for its high-risk zones.

“Community intelligence must be deepened. Traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups in affected areas must be engaged and incorporated into our intelligence architecture. The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us,” he said.

Disu added that the police would not ignore the security situation in affected communities, stressing that the Force must demonstrate its commitment through concrete actions.

“The bandits do not rest, neither shall we,” he declared.

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the IGP announced the cancellation of leave for officers and men assigned election security duties, while restricting the movement of senior officers outside their commands.

He directed all CPs and senior officers to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process, adding that any travel outside their areas of responsibility must receive express approval from the Force Headquarters.

“All leave is cancelled for officers and men deployed for election security duties, effective immediately.

“All Commissioners of Police and senior officers are to remain in their respective commands until the conclusion of the electoral process. Any travel outside your command requires express approval from Force Headquarters,” he said.

The police chief also ordered Commissioners of Police to verify the readiness of election security equipment, communications facilities, mobility and protective gear and submit reports by the end of the week.

He further directed police commands to establish direct coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu warned police officers against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to compromise the electoral process, facilitate thuggery or interfere with voters’ rights.

He said the police would remain non-partisan and provide equal protection to candidates, political parties, supporters and eligible voters, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“I will not tolerate any officer using the authority of the police to advance the interest of any political party, candidate or sponsor.

“Any officer found to be colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with the rights of voters will be disciplined according to the law,” he warned.

He further cautioned officers against allowing politicians to exploit their positions, stressing that the Force would apply its disciplinary procedures against erring personnel.

“The Nigeria Police Force is not a tool for any politician, any party or any interest. If you allow yourself to be used, you will face the consequences alone.

“Protect the process, protect the people, and protect your own career and reputation. Do not be used,” the IGP said.

Meanwhile, Disu disclosed that the police had arrested 218 suspects for banditry and terrorism, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists since the last strategic officers’ conference.

He added that the Force rescued 95 kidnap victims, recovered 306 assorted firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and 116 stolen vehicles within the period.

The IGP commended police personnel involved in the operations, saying their courage and commitment had contributed to the achievements recorded by the Force.

He also directed Commissioners of Police to ensure that outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to families of officers killed in the line of duty were paid without further delay.

He said, “I have directed that all outstanding death benefits and entitlements owed to the families of our fallen personnel be cleared without further delay, and that Commissioners of Police personally verify the status of every pending case in their commands.

“No family of a fallen officer should be left to struggle alone.”

Disu urged senior officers to strengthen supervision, discipline and operational effectiveness, warning against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and unlawful use of force.

He also directed that a welfare audit be conducted across police commands to identify outstanding entitlements, accommodation gaps and other pressing needs, with the reports to reach his office within 30 days.

Source: punchng.com

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