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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak advises Nigeria to establish federal rapid response police force
via Punch Nigeria13 min read
Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, has recommended that the Nigerian Federal Government create a central rapid deployment police force. This force would be available to support state police commands during emergencies. Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, Barak emphasized that the newly adopted state police structure in Nigeria requires proper coordination, transparency, and information-sharing between states and the Federal Government in Abuja. He cautioned against a system where states operate in isolation from the center, stressing the need for Abuja to have access to information and transparency regarding state police operations. Barak suggested that this central force could be deployed to any region when a security threat exceeds a state's capacity, creating a dependency on the federal government in real emergencies. He also highlighted that deploying the military for policing duties often leads to complications due to soldiers' different training and culture compared to law enforcement. However, he noted that the military remains necessary as a last resort when armed groups act as "mini sovereigns" and take over territory. Barak commended Nigeria's commitment to democratic governance while confronting security challenges like terrorism, organized crime, kidnapping, and separatist agitations. He advised Nigeria to take a long-term view of security reforms, acknowledging that Israel's intelligence capabilities developed over decades and that even Isra
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The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has refunded N3.4 billion to the state government, representing the full Hajj loan advanced for the 2026 pilgrimage. The refund was announced by the board's Director-General, Ahmad Labbo, in Dutse, the state capital, following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Hajj operations and ahead of preparations for the 2027 exercise. Labbo stated that the repayment was made without any deductions or interest, demonstrating the board's commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds. He highlighted that Governor Umar Namadi's intervention was crucial in meeting deadlines set by Saudi authorities for Hajj slot reservations, ensuring the participation of Jigawa pilgrims. The Director-General also expressed appreciation for the governor's support and affirmed the board's dedication to maintaining high standards of financial discipline and improving service delivery for intending pilgrims.
The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Identity Management Commission NIMC are collaborating to integrate nearly 80 million learners into Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this during a visit from NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote. This partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to use technology for improved governance and service delivery. Alausa stated that the education sector, which includes about 67 million learners in basic and post-basic education, and nearly 80 million when tertiary and vocational students are added, will fully support NIMC. He highlighted that the recent signing of the new NIMC Act provides a stronger legal framework for establishing a single source of truth for identity management. The ministry has developed the National Learners’ Identification Number, which will be aligned with the National Identification Number NIN and the National Education Management Information System. This integration will enable verification of learners’ identities, generation of credible education statistics, and improved planning and policy implementation. Engr. Coker-Odusote commended the education ministry's reforms and reaffirmed NIMC's commitment to supporting identity management within the sector. This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to e
Must ReadThe KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has issued a warning that landlords who provide accommodation to undocumented immigrants risk arrest. This announcement comes as South African authorities increase efforts to enforce immigration laws amidst rising anti-foreigner sentiment. KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, stated during a community security meeting that landlords must require prospective tenants to present valid identity documents. He cautioned that those harboring undocumented foreigners could face prosecution alongside their tenants. The Premier's warning follows concerns from traditional leaders who claim some rental properties are used as hideouts by criminals. Ntuli emphasized that community cooperation is crucial for tackling crime and that stricter immigration law enforcement will help close loopholes exploited by criminal elements. This development occurs amid heightened anti-foreigner tensions in South Africa, with the March and March movement advocating for the removal of undocumented immigrants. The Nigerian government has already evacuated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa in response to these renewed tensions.