Nigeria Phases Out Visa-on-Arrival…Boko Haram and ISWAP Battle Over Territory…Gunmen Mutilate Pastor in Church, Kidnap 6 Worshippers…Air Force Operations Crush Armed Groups
● Nigeria to End Visa-on-Arrival, Tighten Border Security
Nigeria will cancel its visa-on-arrival policy and introduce a new digital immigration system, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced.
Tunji-Ojo said all visitors must now apply online before traveling, with applications screened through Interpol and criminal record databases. “Nigeria cannot be a destination for wanted criminals in the world,” he said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The government will also introduce landing and exit cards, replacing manual forms with a fully automated system. “This is 2025, not 1825. Technology must take its place,” Tunji-Ojo added.
These reforms, launching between March 1 and April 1, aim to track all foreign visitors and improve national security. “A scenario where someone enters Nigeria and disappears is unacceptable,” the Minister stated.
● Islamist Rivalry in Nigeria Heats Up as Boko Haram, ISWAP Turn on Each Other
Fighting between Boko Haram and ISIS-linked militants in Nigeria is escalating, spreading from the Lake Chad region to the country’s North West and North Central areas.
Intelligence sources say the violence stems from power struggles over territory and ideology, reports Zagazola Makama.
A Boko Haram leader, Bakura Doro, tried to negotiate peace with ISIS-affiliated ISWAP, but talks failed, leading to even more clashes. Boko Haram is now sending fighters to Niger State, where they are battling a powerful warlord, Dogo Gide, a former ally who turned against the group.
Boko Haram has recaptured ISWAP camps in northern Lake Chad, raising fears of new attacks. The group is planning a high-level meeting to strategize attacks on military and ISWAP targets.
● All-night Prayer Meeting Turns Tragic as Gunmen Kidnap Worshippers, Attack Pastor
Gunmen stormed a church in Delta State, Southern Nigeria, during an overnight prayer service, shooting the pastor and abducting six worshippers.
Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed the attack, which was reported on Saturday evening.
The attackers targeted Elyon Paradise Ministry Church, seizing six members and taking them to an unknown location. Pastor Divine Omodia was shot and had two fingers severed before the assailants fled.
Authorities have launched a manhunt to track down the assailants and rescue the abducted worshippers while medical personnel are fighting to save Omodia’s life.
● Nigerian Air Force Strikes Bandit Camps in Zamfara, Kills Scores
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched airstrikes on bandit hideouts in Shinkafi County in Northwest Zamfara State, killing multiple armed criminals and destroying their camps.
According to intelligence sources, the strikes targeted the residence of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Haru in Katsira Forest and extended to Fakai Forest, an area known for harboring armed groups.
Ground security sources confirmed that several bandits were crushed, with their livestock and logistics also destroyed. However, the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
A senior military official revealed that surveillance operations are ongoing to track down any fleeing bandits.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
