NEWS
Fuel Scarcity: NSCDC Warns Against Hoarding Products

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Ilorin has warned fuel station owners to desist from hoarding products and worsening the fuel scarcity situation in the state.
The State Commandant, NSCDC, Mr Makinde Ayinla, gave the warning on Wednesday at a news conference on the activities of the corps since the beginning of the scarcity.
Ayinla said the corps had made efforts to checkmate the practices of the fuel stations, who were selling fuel above the recommended pump price or hoarding it, and causing artificial scarcity.
He said: “This is in line with the directive of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, that we should make sure that petroleum products are available to the people and at recommended pump prices.
“And also to checkmate the activities of the pipeline vandals, petroleum black marketers, those engaging in fuel adulteration and diversion, among others.
“That is why we have been going round the 16 local government areas in the state since last weekend in order to check the activities of erring filing stations.
“This includes those buying the products inside kegs and selling at exhorbitant prices to the general public.”
He disclosed that the NSCDC task force led by the Head of Anti-Vandal Unit of the command, ACC Ayinde Yusuf, discovered that some fuel stations had the products but refused to sell.
Yusuf also said that some fuel stations were selling petrol as high as N250 per litre, against the recommended price of N165 per litre.
He ordered those that had the products, but chose to hoard, to start selling, adding that the team will ensure that the fuel stations empty their underground tanks before they leave such stations.
The NSCDC boss also disclosed that some culprits were caught selling petrol above the recommended pump price and were made to revert to the approved price of N165 per litre.
Ayinla further said that the Head of Anti-Vandal Unit of the corps ordered owners and managers of the erring fuel stations to sign undertakings, not to engage in any sharp practices forthwith.
He said that some black marketers were arrested and the products they concealed inside kegs were confiscated.
Ayinla added that the task force had visited more than 50 fuel stations across Ilorin metropolis.
He said that the NSCDC also went to other towns across the state, including Offa, Alapa, Bode Saadu and Omu Aran, on similar operation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fuel scarcity had caused serious inconveniences for commuters and transporters alike, culminating in the increase of transport fares and some fuel stations selling petrol at between N250 and N300 per litre. (NAN)
NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.