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Why the U.S. imposed new Entry Restrictions on Nigeria

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US President Donald Trump
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The United States government has revealed that Nigeria was added to its expanded travel restrictions list over concerns bordering on terrorism-related security risks and high visa overstay rates.

According to U.S. authorities, the presence and activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of Nigeria have created challenges for effective screening and vetting of travellers.

The decision was also influenced by data showing elevated visa overstay figures, with Nigeria recording a 5.56 per cent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M and J visas.

“Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties.

According to the Overstay Report, Nigeria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent.”

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According to reports, the United States President, Donald Trump, approved the expanded travel restrictions under a new proclamation aimed at strengthening national security and public safety.

A White House statement said the proclamation retains full entry restrictions on nationals of 12 countries earlier classified as high risk: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Five more countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria were added to the list of nations facing full restrictions following a recent security review.

The measures also apply to individuals travelling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now been placed under full entry limits, while partial restrictions remain for Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.

The proclamation lifts the ban on nonimmigrant visas for Turkmenistan, citing improved cooperation with the United States, but maintains restrictions on immigrant entry for Turkmen nationals.

Nigeria is among 15 countries newly placed under partial restrictions, alongside Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The policy provides exemptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders and specific categories such as diplomats and athletes, as well as individuals whose entry is considered to serve U.S. national interests.

It also tightens family-based immigrant visa exemptions viewed as vulnerable to fraud, while allowing case-by-case waivers.

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Rochas Okorocha arrested, released after one-hour Interrogation — Police

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Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday night.

The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed the development to Channels Television.

Okorocha, who was arrested at REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja, was, however, released on bail by the NPF following an hour of interrogation over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

CSP Iniedu, who confirmed the arrest and subsequent release on bail to our correspondent, noted that the former governor was asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.

The arrest reportedly followed Okorocha’s failure to honour previous police invitations in connection with the ongoing investigation.

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He was initially invited to the Force Headquarters on September 2, but the appointment was rescheduled to September 8 at the request of his lawyers, a date he reportedly failed to honour.

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BREAKING: Soludo, Wike, Adeleke, others appointed member of APC Presidential Campaign Council

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Anambra Gov, Prof Chukwuma Soludo
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Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has been appointed a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list released last night.

This is despite the fact that he is the National Leader of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Similarly, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, the National Leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the opposition Accord Party (AP), are on the expanded and all-inclusive team headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Other members include Presidential Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and former House of Representatives member Patrick Obahiagbon.

Also named as members are former Osun APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, former National Legal Advisers Dr. Muiz Banire and Babatunde Ogala, Chief Ayiri Emami, Victor Giadom, Magnus Abe, and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel.

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The list, according to a report by The Nation, reflects inter-party cooperation and harmony based on the shared vision of propelling the country to the horizon of progress.

The report quoted a statement by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, as saying that the campaign council will be inaugurated tomorrow in Abuja.

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Mbah orders impartial Police Probe into Enugu political violence, vows accountability

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Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has called for a thorough and impartial police investigation into the recent violence surrounding a political gathering in the state, assuring that anyone found responsible will face the law regardless of political affiliation.

Mbah, in an address to the people of Enugu State, expressed concern over reports of violence, particularly a shooting incident that left a citizen injured.

The governor said his immediate concern was the welfare of those injured, residents who experienced fear during the incident, and families affected by the violence.

He assured the victims and affected residents that their safety and well-being remained a priority for his administration.

“I know how much our people value the peace and security we have worked so hard to establish in Enugu. Incidents such as these cause anxiety and deserve our full attention,” the governor said.

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Mbah stressed that every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, must be able to exercise their political rights without fear, intimidation or violence.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding the law and ensuring that justice was served without favour.

The governor also stated that, in view of the preliminary findings regarding the incident, he expected the police to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

According to him, anyone found culpable would be held accountable through the appropriate legal process, irrespective of their political connections.

“The Enugu State Government has made its position clear regarding allegations of involvement in this violence,” Mbah stated, reaffirming his administration’s responsibility to maintain peace and security across the state.

The incident has raised concerns over political tolerance and the safety of citizens participating in political activities in Enugu State.

The governor’s call for an impartial investigation underscores the need for the relevant security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the shooting and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He concluded his address by thanking the people of Enugu State and praying for God’s continued blessings upon the state.

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