The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed reports claiming prospective candidates were excluded from admission into its 78 Regular Course due to portal closure.

The Academy described the allegations as inaccurate and inconsistent with the realities of its admission process.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj.

He said applications for the 78 Regular Course opened on Nov.

According to him, candidates who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and selected NDA as first choice were invited.

“Eligible candidates were sent emails on May 19, 2026, directing them to register for the NDA Screening Test not later than May 24, 2026,” he said.

Kovangiya said application procedures, timelines and requirements were widely publicised through the Academy’s website, portal, social media platforms and emails.

He noted that candidates had adequate time to complete registration requirements, including generating Remita Retrieval References, paying fees and submitting forms.

The spokesman added that applicants were repeatedly advised to monitor official communication channels for updates and important notices.

He also dismissed allegations that some candidates received privileged information or preferential access during the admission process.

“The allegation that some candidates received preferential access to registration information or procedures is entirely unfounded.

“The Academy maintains a transparent, merit-based and equitable admission process that affords all eligible applicants equal opportunity,” he said.

Kovangiya said the NDA operates a structured, time-bound admission process to ensure effective planning and conduct of screening exercises.

He said candidates who failed to complete registration within the stipulated time frame could not be accommodated for the June 20 screening test.

The spokesman reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to transparency, fairness and excellence in its admission process.

He urged the public to rely only on information disseminated through the Academy’s official communication channels.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.

The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General Babatunde Olomu described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.

He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.

According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.

Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.

He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.

The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.

He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.

World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.

He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.

Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.

He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.

Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.

He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.

Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.

During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.

More than 100 houses were destroyed and scores of families displaced after a devastating rainstorm ravaged Tom Gangare community in Sopp Ward of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday following a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds, also destroyed health facilities, places of worship and other critical infrastructure, leaving residents counting their losses.

A member of the community Bot Felix said property worth millions of naira was damaged during the incident, while many affected residents have been rendered homeless.

He said violent windstorms uprooted several trees, many of which fell on residential buildings, worsening the destruction across the community.

Also speaking on the development, a stakeholder in the community, Hon. Dung Danboyi, described the incident as tragic and appealed for urgent intervention from government and humanitarian agencies.

According to him, although no life was lost, the destruction has left many households without shelter and exposed victims to severe hardship.

“The level of destruction is overwhelming. Many families have lost their homes and means of livelihood. We are appealing to government agencies, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of our people during this difficult time,” he said.

Danboyi called on the Plateau State Government, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, development partners and other stakeholders to provide immediate relief materials and support for affected residents.

Also speaking, the Councillor representing Sopp Ward, Hon. Gwong Ibrahim, urged relevant authorities to urgently intervene to cushion the impact of the disaster on victims.

He stressed the need for emergency relief assistance, noting that many affected families were struggling to secure temporary shelter and basic necessities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Hon. Sati Bature Shuwa, visited the community to assess the extent of the damage and sympathise with victims.

Addressing residents, Shuwa assured them that efforts would be made to facilitate assistance and support for those affected by the disaster.

He disclosed that a comprehensive assessment would be conducted to determine the extent of the losses and enable appropriate intervention by government and emergency management agencies.