News
UK to seize illegal migrants’ phones under new counter terror policy
The UK government has activated a counter-terror policy that allows it to seize mobile phones from illegal migrants without arresting them.
The government said the new law would help it to gather intelligence on smuggling gangs organising small boat crossings to the UK.
According to the Home Office, officers would be able to demand that migrants remove their coats to search for phones and also check their mouths for SIM cards.
The National Crime Agency said the information collected could speed up investigations into smuggling gangs.
Border security minister, Alex Norris, said: “We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade.
“That is exactly why we are implementing robust new laws with powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before and cut off their supply chains.”
Mike Tapp, minister for migration and citizenship, said seized phones could later be returned but that would “depend on the individual circumstances… what’s found on that phone. That’s for the guys on the ground to make that operational decision.”
“If people have devices… that could hold intelligence, then we are right to be able to seize that. But that doesn’t take away compassion,” he added.
The new law also introduces offences that could leave perpetrators facing up to 14 years in jail for storing or supplying boat engines to bring migrants to the UK.
Martin Hewitt, tasked with curbing Channel crossings, said more than 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs had taken place since his unit was set up, including seizing cash and convicting key players.
He said yesterday marked a key moment to go further with extra tools to crack down on smugglers.
News
NYSC Reschedules Orientation Date For Enugu, Osun Corps Members
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a change in the orientation schedule for prospective corps members posted to Enugu and Osun states for the 2026 Batch A Stream II exercise.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the scheme said the orientation course in the affected states will now commence on April 28 and end on May 18, 2026.
The NYSC attributed the adjustment to ongoing renovation works at the orientation camps by the state governments.
The scheme clarified that the change applies only to Enugu and Osun states.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the orientation exercise for all other states and the FCT will hold from Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to Tuesday, May 12, 2026,” the statement said.
The NYSC advised affected prospective corps members to take note of the revised schedule and comply accordingly.
Meanwhile, NYSC has announced the release of call-up letters for prospective corps members under the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II programme.
The scheme disclosed this on Monday via its 𝕏 account, stating, “2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II deployment has been released.”
The development follows the recent publication of the timetable for the upcoming orientation exercise.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Caroline Embu, the NYSC confirmed that the orientation course will commence nationwide on April 22.
News
Wike to Aggrieved PDP Members: “You’ll Get Your Due, Come Back”(Photos)
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has assured aggrieved members of the the party that they will not lose their entitlements if they return, declaring that many who left only did so out of uncertainty and in search of political shelter.

He therefore urged the party leadership to urgently move for reconciliation.
“Chairman and your team should put in place a strong committee to reach out to those who are aggrieved.
“There is room for them to come back, and whatever is due to them will still be given,” Wike said at the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The former Rivers State governor insisted that the PDP must close ranks quickly, warning that lingering internal wrangling could weaken its chances ahead of future elections.
“In life, there must be a period of crisis. What matters is how we resolve the crisis. Now that we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation,” he said.
Wike also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring that he has no intention of leaving despite ongoing tensions.
“I have been a member of this party since 1998 and I will not leave. Whatever happens, we will continue to live as members of the PDP,” he stated.

He further called for transparency and openness in party affairs, saying this would rebuild confidence and attract back those who had drifted away.
“If you engage them, they will understand and support the party. There is need for openness so that we can achieve the unity we desire,” he added, while expressing confidence in the party’s legal team.
Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, signalled a fresh start for the opposition party, declaring that the era of uncertainty was over.
According to him, the party will strictly follow the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting its congresses.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consultation, and electoral preparation has begun,” he said, promising transparent and credible congresses across all levels.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, stressed that unity must remain the party’s top priority.
He urged members to bury their differences, warning that there was no room for exclusion if the PDP must regain its footing nationally.
Ohuabunwa also called for discipline and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, while commending reforms such as the e-registration initiative aimed at strengthening internal processes and repositioning the party for the challenges ahead.
News
PDP Holds First NEC Meeting After Police Reopen National Secretariat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting following the reopening of its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, after months of closure.
The meeting is scheduled to hold at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.
This comes days after security operatives unsealed the premises, which had been under lock since late last year due to internal leadership disputes.
The development marks a fresh step in the party’s attempt to stabilise its structure after a prolonged crisis. Party officials say the meeting will focus on restoring order and addressing lingering issues affecting the PDP’s leadership.
The secretariat had been sealed in November after a violent confrontation between two rival factions. One group was loyal to the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee. The other faction was headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who led a caretaker committee. Both sides had laid claim to the party’s leadership, leading to chaos at the headquarters.
The crisis deepened after a court ruling earlier this year. The Appeal Court nullified the Ibadan convention that brought in the Turaki-led leadership. That judgment shifted momentum to the Mohammed-led group.
Backed by key political figures, the Mohammed faction moved quickly. They relied on the court decision to organise a fresh convention in Abuja. That exercise further strengthened their hold on the party’s structure.
Sources within the party say today’s NEC meeting will largely be attended by loyalists of the Mohammed-led leadership. Among those expected are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Also expected are former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Party insiders say the presence of these figures signals a strong show of unity from the faction currently in control. Discussions at the meeting are expected to cover reconciliation, restructuring, and preparations for future political engagements.
There are also indications that the NEC may set up committees to address grievances within the party. Some members are pushing for a broader peace process to bring back aggrieved stakeholders.
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