News
FG to hold promotion exam for senior paramilitary officers
The Federal Government has announced plans to commence screening and examinations for senior cadre officers in the nation’s paramilitary services to address existing vacancies at top management levels.
The Chairman of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Service Board and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during a media briefing following the board’s meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
Tunji-Ojo stated that the vacancies exist at senior managerial levels across the four paramilitary agencies: the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
To fill these gaps, he said officers below the ranks of Deputy Controllers and Assistant Controllers will be considered for promotion to these positions within the next month.
“Most of our services now do not have Deputy Controller-Generals, and if we have, there are not many. Therefore, in line with the federal character principle, these positions have to be filled. It was one of the key decisions taken during our meeting that these positions should be occupied with immediate effect, including that of Assistant Controller-General,” he said.
Represented by the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engineer Jaji Abdulganiyu, the minister emphasised that a rigorous screening exercise would be conducted, followed by an examination to select eligible officers for these key positions.
Highlighting the significance of these ranks in enhancing service efficiency and management, the minister noted that some agencies currently have officers covering duties without formal appointments, which is not ideal for effective governance.
He said, “As a result of that, the board has decided that this process will commence from Monday, March 9, when the accreditation of officers for the exercise will take place. The accreditation will run from March 9 to March 11.
“By the end of March, the exercise should have been concluded. That is the decision of the board for the positions of Deputy Controller-General and Assistant Controller-General in the four services.”
Tunji-Ojo also revealed that discussions were held on the official handbook for the board, adding that an approval process is underway.
According to him, the handbook, once finalised, will be circulated to all services and made accessible to the public.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment
Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven
OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News20 hours agoWhat marabout told us about IBB in 1952- Gen Abdulsalami reveals
-
News21 hours ago“Be good ambassadors, imbibe leadership qualities – Senator Ipinsagba tells FUTA students
-
News11 hours agoHow to curb incessant defections by political office holders – CCLCA proffers solutions
-
Politics20 hours agoTHREAT! FG tells Gov Adeleke to stop LG poll
-
News20 hours agoSee photos of bowing competition at IBB’s book launch as Obj, Tinubu, Jonathan, Gowon grace event
-
Foreign20 hours agoEU diplomat bombs Trump over dictator comment on Zelensky, points at Putin
-
Foreign20 hours agoSenate approves Trump’s ally, Patel as FBI boss
-
Metro20 hours agoSAD! School building collapses in Yobe, students sustain injuries