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How Dubai Became No. 1 Tourist Destination For Nigerians-Ikechi Uko

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By Ikechi Uko

The Dubai Epidemic happened this year.
This year should be unprecedented for Dubai. They crushed every other destination for Nigerians these last months.
In the last 2 weeks all tour Operators were either in Dubai or organising a package to Dubai.
Why did Dubai succeed so well so much so that some foolish pickpockets flew all the way to Dubai to steal from a Bureau De Change in full view of CCTV cameras?
First credit is that Dubai has a lot to offer Nigerians.
Dubai is easy to go to and very cheap. 4 star packages can top just over $1000 for 3 nights plus flight ticket.
Dubai visa is max 48 hours, easy.
Dubai has marketed like mad. 3-city Roadshow and huge outing at Akwaaba African Travel Market. Involved in Events and Movies. The Dubai team had hired a super smart NigeriaNigeria,  Kalanne Fubara with links and network to drill down.
There are about 32 flights a day from Nigeria that finds its way to Dubai the access is huge.
Other destinations dropped the ball. South Africa was the growing counter for Nigerian New money but shambolic Visa processes and bad press on account of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa seeks to wipe away 5 years of hardwork by South African Tourism in Nigeria. South African Tourism have had a great template but it’s job is being eroded big time. They need to retool and hope for some help from its embassy and media to reverse the trend.
Gambia was growing in Nigeria in the last 12 months until Air Senegal started operations and stopped the 5th Freedom rights of Air Peace and other Airlines between Banjul and Dakar. Air Peace had to change Equipment to service only Banjul.
Tanzania and its beautiful island of Zanzibar was becoming the go to place for young Tour Operators until it changed suddenly the Visa processes for Nigerians. TZ scrapped Visa on Arrival all of a sudden and Trapped some Nigerians on the wrong side of the law.
Ghana was going to be the biggest Beneficiary but it’s hotels are priced in Dollars and compared to other destinations was becoming a little pricey for Nigerians.
Kigali,

Rwanda is still a big draw from Nigerian families. It is benefiting from the diversion from South Africa. Ethiopia is pushing very strong.
Summer is coming and if nothing is done by other destinations Dubai might be overflowing with Nigerian families.
The recession has ebbed and family travels is coming back so Summer will tell a story of it’s own.
Domestic travel that has been on an ascendancy since 2017 suffered a huge blow with the Kajuru killings. Let’s hope the Nigerian Tour Operators do not give up on Domestic destinations.
I congratulate Dubai for a good run So far. I expect a fight back from.others soon.

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IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

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The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) and replaced him with a new appointee, though the name hasn’t been officially announced.

Hundeyin was previously serving as the Lagos Command PRO before being promoted to the national role.

This move comes as part of Disu’s efforts to revamp the Nigeria Police Force and improve its public image.

As the 23rd IGP, Disu has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and transparency, warning officers that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or abuse of power.

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Assets Declaration: Court Dismisses NDLEA’s Case Against Abba Kyari

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), against suspended DCP Abba Kyari on allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, filed against Kyari and his younger brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge held that the burden of proving a case beyond reasonable doubt falls in the prosecution which it had failed to do so.
The ruling covers only asset declaration allegations. Other cases including drug related offences are still ongoing.

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NDLEA Nabs UK-wanted Drug Lord after 15-Year Hunt

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.

His arrest was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by spokesman of the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya, according to the agency, was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following what officials described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.

He was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom and later convicted for drug trafficking.

He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment but released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

In July 2011, Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences.

Though granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled to Nigeria, evading further prosecution.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence in Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive drug production equipment.

He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail, remaining on the run until his latest arrest.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation,” Marwa said.

He added that the Agency remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deepening international collaboration to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global drug cartels.

Marwa commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the NDLEA remains unwavering in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

The agency is expected to proceed with legal action against Ilomuanya in the coming days.

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