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Nigeria Repatriates 24 Gabonese, Illegal Migrants
The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy yesterday at the Shore line jetty, Calabar, repatriated 24 illegal immigrants from Gabon.
The immigrants were among 41 foreigners in a transport vessel, AV Agamba impounded by the Navy during a routine patrol on Thursday. Also aboard the vessel were no fewer than 200 Nigerians.
The Commander of Nigeria’s Navy Ship, Victory, Commodore Marcus Bobai, told newsmen that the Gabonese immigrants were repatriated for entering Nigerian territory without valid traveling documents.
According to him, their repatriation was in line with the Federal government’s policy to tighten up security at the Nation’s borders.
He warned that the Navy would no longer allow foreigners or passengers of vessels without valid travelling documents to enter the country through the ports.
Bobai said that following interception of the vessel on January 21 the passengers were handed over to the relevant agencies which screened them under tight security and discovered that some of them did not possess relevant traveling documents. “We discovered that 24 out of the 41 passengers have no valid passports that will guarantee them entry into Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Navy ensured that the illegal passengers remained on the ship without stepping their feet on the Nigerian soil and we are repatriating them back to Gabon under tight security.
“This will serve as a strong warning to the Gabonese Government as well as other African countries which think they can always enter Nigeria through the back door and dump people anyhow,“ he said.
He said that naval gunboats had been mandated to escort the Gabonese in the same vessel that brought them.
“We are concerned about security; we have tightened security on our waterways in such a way that as a foreigner if you do not have your valid travelling documents, you will not be allowed access into the country.
“Following the security challenges in the country, we do not allow just anybody to enter into the country and that is why we did a thorough screening on them.
“We have also warned the agent, who brought them from Gabon to desist from the act and ensure that anybody he intends to bring into this country has a valid travelling document, “ he said.
He warned that henceforth the navy would deny access to berth at the jetty any vessel that brings in non-Nigerians without valid traveling documents.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
