A team of Nigerian Immigration Service personnel in Jigawa State has intercepted six suspected trafficking victims at the Babura Plantation Border Patrol Base, foiling an attempt to smuggle them to Europe via Libya and Niger Republic.

Arewa PUNCH recalls that only recently, the Jigawa NAPTIP Command warned residents to be cautious of criminals exploiting innocent and unsuspecting individuals who, during the festive period, disguise their travel gesture as opportunities abroad, but which often leads to human trafficking.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspects were attempting to cross the border undetected, but the vigilant NIS officers thwarted their plans.

According to NAPTIP Jigawa State Commander, Mr Abdulkadir Turajo, who, while receiving the intercepted individuals from NIS on Tuesday in Dutse, the state capital, disclosed that the suspects, comprising four females aged 18-23 and two males aged 32-36, hail from Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Lagos, and Enugu states.

According to him, “The victims were intercepted by NIS officers while attempting to cross the border, and we’re working to identify the traffickers involved,” Turajo said, pledging thorough investigation and prosecution of culprits.

Mr Turajo assured the media of a diligent prosecution and rehabilitation of victims, saying, “We’ll ensure that the victims receive all the necessary support and care, and those responsible will face justice.”

However, the NAPTIP commander warned the public to be vigilant, as traffickers exploit festive season travels to lure victims.

“Verify offers and stay safe, don’t fall prey to false promises,” he advised.

“The festive season must not become a trafficking season,” Turajo emphasised, urging citizens to be cautious.

Moreso, the NAPTIP Jigawa boss applauded the efforts of the NIS, Jigawa State Command under the leadership of its State Commandant, CIS T. A. Musa, in combating trafficking.

“The collaboration between NIS and NAPTIP has strengthened our efforts to combat human trafficking,” Turajo said.

He also thanked NIS for its relentless efforts, saying, “I commend the NIS Jigawa State Command under CIS Musa’s leadership for their dedication to fighting human trafficking.”

“This is a significant breakthrough, and we’ll build on it,” Turajo said, promising continued vigilance and cooperation with other agencies.

While detailing more on the suspects, Mr Turajo stated that “the victims will be receiving support and care from NAPTIP, with plans for rehabilitation and reintegration,” adding that “We’re working to restore their dignity and confidence.”

Accordingly, the NAPTIP boss in Jigawa state highlighted that “Traffickers target vulnerable individuals with false promises, often exploiting their desperation. These victims were lured with promises of better lives, but faced uncertainty and danger.”

The NAPTIP commander, therefore, urges citizens to report suspicious activities, saying, “Your vigilance can save lives.”

Earlier, the NIS boss in Jigawa State, T. A. Musa, said, “We are committed to securing our borders and protecting Nigerians from human trafficking. I’m pleased to hand over these suspects to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution.”

The NIS boss further stated, “The suspects were attempting to exploit the festive season to smuggle these individuals to Europe. We won’t let them succeed.”

CIS T.A. Musa also said, “I commend our officers for their vigilance and dedication. We’ll continue to work with NAPTIP to combat human trafficking in Jigawa State.”

Efforts by Arewa PUNCH Correspondent to interview the suspected trafficked persons were unsuccessful as they are currently undergoing security interrogation by NAPTIP officials, who are handling the case and preparing for their eventual reintegration into their families.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, has urged Nigerians to embrace love, sacrifice and humility during the Christmas celebration.

Turaki, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, extended warm felicitations to Christian members of the party and the wider Nigerian Christian community.

He said the values exemplified by Jesus Christ were “timeless principles” capable of transforming Nigeria’s national life and stimulating economic prosperity.

According to him, Christmas remains a reminder of collective resilience and shared responsibility in building a stronger and more united nation.

“These are not merely seasonal virtues but timeless principles that can transform our country and usher in economic prosperity,” Turaki said.

He assured Nigerians of the party’s commitment to promoting such values in politics, saying they held the key to the nation’s collective aspirations.

Reflecting on current socio-economic challenges, Turaki urged citizens to remain hopeful, noting that determined people often emerge stronger from adversity.

He prayed for peace and prosperity in Nigerian homes, expressing optimism for a new year filled with “God’s abundant blessings.”

Many Nigerians across the country are celebrating this year’s Christmas in darkness following a nationwide drop in power supply.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, which oversees the national grid, had earlier blamed the explosion that occurred at the Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline in Delta State, owned by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, for the drop in power supply nationwide.

In an update on Wednesday night, NISO noted that the power supply would return to normalcy ‘soon’ as the gas pipeline repair work by NGPTC is ‘near completion’.

However, DAILY POST reports that the power outage has persisted for the majority of Nigerians on Christmas Day.

The situation further worsened the persistent challenge in the country’s power sector despite its privatization in November 2013.

Data released by NISO on Wednesday showed that the eleven electricity distribution companies in Nigeria received 3,272 megawatts of electricity from the National Grid for onward distribution to over 250 million Nigerians.

This means Discos resort to load shedding and outright outages in parts of their area of coverage.

DAILY POST reports that Nigeria’s available electricity supply capacity has remained stagnated around 3000 to 5000 megawatts in the past 12 years.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had in 2024 promised that the country would achieve a target of 6000MW of electricity by the end of December 2025.

Speaking on the development in an interview, the National President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, said the Nigerian government cannot build something on nothing.

“You can’t build something on nothing.

“If you don’t get it right with the process and systems, the fallout is what we are expressing.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has announced a renewed security strategy aimed at decisively ending banditry across the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that residents can go about their daily lives without fear.

The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday while declaring open the 17th regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council, which also marked the council’s final session for 2025.

He used the occasion to outline new measures being introduced to strengthen security operations in the state.

Banditry remains one of Sokoto’s most pressing challenges, particularly in rural areas, where repeated attacks have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and disruption of farming and other economic activities.

Aliyu explained that the fresh measures are designed to complement ongoing security efforts, with a strong emphasis on enhanced intelligence gathering and improved coordination among security agencies.

He noted that existing strategies were already yielding positive results.

According to the governor, his administration has consistently supported security agencies since assuming office by providing logistics, operational backing, and other critical resources to formations operating in the 13 local government areas most affected by banditry.

“Intelligence is key to checkmating criminal elements, and we are confident that these new initiatives will further strengthen our ability to tackle banditry head-on,” he said.

He stressed that security is a shared responsibility and called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help prevent attacks and dismantle criminal networks.

“As a government, we are ready to do all it takes to ensure that banditry becomes history in Sokoto State, but we cannot do it alone,” he added.

Aliyu also commended members of the State Executive Council for their unity and dedication, attributing the progress recorded so far to teamwork and collective responsibility.

He thanked the people of Sokoto State for their patience, prayers, and continued support, assuring them of his administration’s resolve to deliver more dividends of democracy.

The House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws has pledged to submit its report as soon as its work is concluded.

The Chairman of the Committee, Muktar Betara, gave the assurance on Wednesday following the inaugural meeting of the panel, which was held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Betara chairs the seven-member committee constituted by the House after the adoption of a matter of privilege raised two weeks ago by a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki.

Dasuki had drawn the attention of the Green Chamber to what he described as troubling inconsistencies between tax laws passed by the National Assembly and versions subsequently gazetted and circulated, including copies within government offices

He alleged that some provisions in the gazetted laws differed materially from what lawmakers approved, arguing that any such alterations, if established, would amount to a breach of legislative procedure and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the committee’s media unit, Betara said members were united in their resolve to complete the assignment without delay.

“The committee has resolved to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the House within the shortest possible time. At the meeting, members resolved to conclude the investigation and report back to the House within the shortest time for legislative integrity, due process, and public confidence,” the statement quoted Betara as saying.

Reaffirming the panel’s commitment to openness and diligence, the chairman assured that its findings and recommendations would be laid before the House immediately after the investigation is concluded.

The probe comes against the backdrop of heightened public and institutional scrutiny of Nigeria’s tax laws, particularly those amended or introduced through recent Finance Acts.

Over the years, successive Finance Acts have been used to amend multiple tax statutes, including the Companies Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, Customs and Excise Tariff laws, and other fiscal legislation, as part of efforts to reform revenue administration and align tax policy with economic realities.

Lawmakers say the alleged alterations raise concerns about the integrity of the legislative process, the authenticity of laws being implemented by executive agencies, and the potential legal and financial consequences for taxpayers who rely on officially gazetted statutes.

The House has stressed that only laws duly passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President can have legal force, and that any post-passage changes outside this process would undermine constitutional governance.

The committee’s findings are expected to clarify whether discrepancies exist, how they occurred, and who may be responsible, as well as recommend measures to safeguard the sanctity of future legislative enactments.

Meanwhile, former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the disputed Tax Reform Acts, scheduled to take effect in January, amid growing controversy over their passage.

Ndume made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, following claims and counterclaims over alleged alterations to the tax laws after their passage by the National Assembly.

The appeal comes amid protests by opposition politicians and civil society organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, which have demanded that the Federal Government halt the implementation of the laws.

Reacting, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, urged President Tinubu to set up an ad hoc committee to verify the authenticity of the laws and investigate the alleged alterations.

The former Senate Chief Whip warned that implementing the laws without resolving the allegations would create legitimacy challenges and undermine public trust.

He said, “With the controversy surrounding it, the President should constitute a team to verify the veracity of the claim and act accordingly. As a responsive leader that he has always been, he should look into it to find out whether the claim of alterations was genuine so that he will do the needful to bring the controversy to rest.

“If not, the controversy will continue. That is to say, the tax law will not be implemented, because you can’t build on nothing. So, Mr. President should suspend the implementation until the issues are resolved because so many civil society organisations, the Arewa Community, the Nigerian Bar Association, are saying that he should withdraw the Tax Law and investigate the allegation of forgery. Therefore, Mr. President should get to the root of the allegation of forgery. The small committee that will be set up should look into it while the House of Representatives does its own.”

On Tuesday, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), warned that the controversies surrounding the tax laws threaten the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process. Osigwe said the issues strike at the core of constitutional governance and called for an open and transparent investigation to restore public confidence.

The controversy was further fuelled last week when Dasuki alleged that the version of the tax laws gazetted by the Federal Government differed from the final copy passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has agreed to use consensus to choose party officials at ward, local government, state and national levels ahead of its congresses.

The decision was taken at an expanded State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Lafia.

At the meeting, the party’s legal adviser moved a motion, which Governor Abdullahi Sule supported, allowing non-executive members to take part in the discussions.

This widened participation in the decision-making process.

State APC Chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello, then invited Hon. Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba, who represents Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency and is also a member of the state executive, to formally move the motion.

“I rise to move that this expanded State Executive Council resolves to adopt consensus as the preferred mode for selecting party officials at ward, local government, state, and national congresses, provided it is transparently and voluntarily achieved by all stakeholders. I so move,” Hon. Nalaraba said.

The Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana (SAN), seconded the motion.

Former Nasarawa State governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, conducted a voice vote, and the decision was approved unanimously.

In his opening remarks, Dr Bello said the meeting was meant to brief party leaders and stakeholders on recent changes within the APC, especially under the new national leadership.

He noted that the party was enjoying wider acceptance and continued to receive defectors.

Governor Sule welcomed the decision, describing the adoption of consensus as a step that would promote peace within the party.

“You’ve reduced potential challenges. Our congresses will now proceed by consensus, decided by you and brought back to us,” the governor said.

He also restated his support for zoning, saying it played a key role in his emergence as governor and has helped maintain peace in the state.

Governor Sule further highlighted some achievements of his administration, describing 2025 as the most resource-rich year for Nasarawa State so far.

Those present at the meeting included Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, members of the National and State Assemblies, serving and former government officials, and other key party stakeholders.