News
Operation Enduring Peace Intensifies Security Measures in Jos, Arrests Two Suspects
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intensified security operations across the Jos metropolis in a bid to curb the escalation of tensions and restore normalcy in Plateau State.
The security initiative, which involved a comprehensive stop-and-search exercise conducted on Friday, was part of proactive efforts to safeguard lives and property, particularly in areas affected by recent unrest in Jos North.
According to a statement issued by the Joint Task Force, the heightened security presence led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a pump-action firearm, and a cutlass.
The arrests and recoveries were made during targeted operations carried out in key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, with specific activities recorded around Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-Cost Housing Estate.
In a related development, troops responded to a distress call over sporadic gunfire in the Yelwa Cattle Market area of Shendam Local Government Area. On arrival, the attackers reportedly fled into nearby bushes following the deployment of troops.
A subsequent sweep of the area led to the discovery of two local residents who had sustained gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong security presence across Plateau State, noting that operations would continue with increased intensity until all threats are neutralized and lasting peace is restored in affected communities.
The statement, signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the task force, emphasized the resolve of security forces to ensure stability and protect residents amid ongoing security challenges.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Nigeria’s aviation sector may experience operational setbacks after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), moved to tighten enforcement on airlines owing regulatory levies, targeting 11 local carriers in a fresh compliance crackdown.
In a directive issued on May 22, 2026, the aviation regulator instructed its departments nationwide to halt official support and approvals for the affected operators until outstanding financial obligations are resolved or structured repayment arrangements are reached.
The action stems from unpaid remittances linked to the mandatory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, deductions airlines collect on behalf of the NCAA to finance aviation safety monitoring, workforce development and economic supervision across the industry.
According to the internal communication signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, no agency unit is permitted to provide services to any listed airline without prior financial authorisation from the finance department. The memo was also copied to the Director-General of Civil Aviation and senior management officials.
Among the carriers affected are Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.
Industry stakeholders say the enforcement measure could disrupt regulatory processing for the airlines involved, potentially affecting flight operations, approvals and other administrative activities if the debt issues remain unresolved.
The post NCAA Sanctions 11 Nigerian Airlines Over Unpaid Charges appeared first on Business Today NG.
News
Tinubu’s NIN directive to deepen identity verification across Nigeria, NIMC CEO says – Technology Times
Nigeria’s digital identity verification system is set for broader adoption across public services following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive mandating the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) across government digital platforms, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said.
The Commission says the Presidential Directive, issued on April 5, 2024, marks a major policy shift that places the NIN at the centre of identity verification, biometric authentication and data capture across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), a move expected to strengthen trust in digital transactions and improve access to services nationwide.
Speaking at a digital conference themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together” in Abuja, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, said the Commission is intensifying efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity architecture as part of the country’s wider Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) agenda.
Represented at the event by Mr. Sulaiman Falade, Head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD) at NIMC, the Director-General said the directive effectively makes the NIN the foundational credential for identity verification across Nigeria’s expanding digital ecosystem.
For Nigerians, the expanded NIN mandate means identity verification is expected to become increasingly standardised when accessing government services and a growing range of digital platforms, while businesses and institutions will be able to rely on stronger identity authentication infrastructure.
NIN as enabler for digital authentication of identity in Nigeria
“Central to the DPI transformation is the National Identification Number (NIN), which has become a critical enabler for digital authentication, identity verification, and access to government and private sector services,” Coker-Odusote said.
According to NIMC, the directive requires MDAs to integrate and effectively use the NIN in policies and systems tied to data capture, identity verification and biometric authentication across digital services.
“In line with the Presidential Directive issued on April 5, 2024, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been mandated to ensure the effective use of the NIN in driving policies related to data capture, identity verification, and biometric authentication across all digital services. NIMC has put in place structures to ensure effective implementation,” she said.
The Commission says the directive is expected to create a more unified identity verification framework across government, reducing duplication of identity records, improving service efficiency and enabling agencies to authenticate citizens through a common trusted system.
For Nigerians, the expanded NIN mandate means identity verification is expected to become increasingly standardised when accessing government services and a growing range of digital platforms, while businesses and institutions will be able to rely on stronger identity authentication infrastructure.
NIMC also said it is reinforcing trust in the digital identity ecosystem through the rollout of the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI), a security framework designed to support safer electronic transactions and digital communications while protecting citizens’ personal data.
The Commission says the broader reforms align with Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure strategy, which aims to strengthen governance, improve national security and expand access to efficient public services through interoperable digital systems.
Coker-Odusote said NIMC remains committed to leveraging innovation and secure digital identity systems to support national development, while calling for deeper collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
According to her, sustained partnership will be critical to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure delivers improved transparency, accountability and service delivery outcomes as the Federal Government accelerates digital transformation initiatives nationwide.
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