By Our Correspondent

For many Nigerian travelers today, flying has become more than simply moving from one destination to another. The experience in the air, how passengers are treated, the comfort they enjoy, and the services offered, have become just as important as arriving safely.

For passengers travelling on Nigeria routes with Turkish Airlines, the journey is increasingly being redefined to reflect this shift in expectations.

Operating flights from major Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja, the airline connects passengers to the world through its global hub in Istanbul.

But beyond connectivity, the airline says its focus is on delivering a refined travel experience rooted in Turkish hospitality, an approach designed to make passengers feel valued from the moment they board until they reach their destination.

Central to this experience is the airline’s OneTeam Passionately Turkish service philosophy, which emphasizes attentive and proactive customer engagement.

A statement made available to our correspondent emphasized that Cabin crews on Nigerian routes are trained not only to provide service but to build natural connections with passengers.

“Through visible presence in the cabin, thoughtful interaction, and clear communication, crew members aim to anticipate passengers’ needs and respond with empathy throughout the journey.”

This approach, according to the airline, reflects a deliberate effort to ensure hospitality that is both culturally aware and consistently premium for travelers departing from or arriving in Nigeria.

“For passengers travelling in Business Class, the experience begins with a personalized welcome. Travelers are greeted warmly, addressed by name, and assisted during seating. Senior cabin crew members, including the cabin chief or purser, personally introduce themselves to passengers, creating a sense of familiarity and reassurance early in the flight.”

The airline said it has also designed programmes that extend the experience beyond the aircraft adding that through initiatives such as Stopover in Istanbul and TourIstanbul, passengers transiting through the cities are offered opportunities to explore Türkiye’s culture during their layover, turning what would normally be waiting time into a memorable travel experience.

Families and young travelers also receive special attention on board, while any service disruptions are handled with clear explanations and empathetic communication to ensure passengers remain informed and comfortable.

Economy Class passengers on Nigerian routes are equally seeing improvements, particularly in onboard catering. In response to passenger feedback, the airline has refreshed its Economy Class menus in January 2026 to better reflect local tastes and preferences.

The Airline added, “Signature programs such as Stopover in Istanbul and TourIstanbul extend the experience beyond the aircraft, connecting passengers to Türkiye’s culture during transit.

“Special attention is given to families and young travelers, and any service disruptions are managed through clear and empathetic communication.

“As part of commitment to comfort and cultural relevance, Economy Class catering on Nigeria flights has been refreshed to reflect the local tastes. Featuring four rotating menus updated monthly, the renewed offering, introduced in January 2026, include local flavours and red-meat options shaped by passenger feedback.
Menu highlights include Spiced Beef Cheeks served with jollof rice and Slow-Braised Lamb Tagine with vegetable couscous, reinforcing Turkish Airlines’ dedication to thoughtful, passenger-focused service.”

Through these improvements, the airline said it aims to deliver a consistent and premium onboard experience across its Nigeria routes saying, “By combining global connectivity with attentive hospitality, Turkish Airlines continues to position the journey between Nigeria and the rest of the world as one defined not just by distance, but by the quality of the experience along the way.”

By Our Correspondent

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has narrated how a coordinated security operation led to the rescue of eight kidnapped Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates and seven other travellers who were abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

The abductees were rescued early hours of Sunday after spending four days in captivity.

Our correspondent reports that the victims were among passengers of a Benue Links bus that was attacked by gunmen on April 15, 2026, around the Taraku axis in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Speaking during the presentation of the rescued victims to the state government, the police commissioner said, “The incident happened on the 15th of April. The bus was carrying 18 passengers when the attackers struck and abducted some of them into the forest,”

Emenari added that,
“The executive governor directed that the victims must be rescued. At the same time, we were instructed to ensure that the operation was carried out professionally and without endangering the lives of the victims.

“To the glory of God today, all the passengers in that Benue Links bus are free. The last batch of 13 victims were rescued early this morning after sustained pressure on the criminals operating around the Amla forest,” he said.

Emenari commended security agencies and community actors who participated in the rescue mission, describing the operation as a demonstration of effective collaboration.

He specifically acknowledged the roles played by the Nigerian Army’s 401 Brigade, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the state’s Civil Protection Guards, Homeland Security and local vigilantes from Naka and surrounding communities.

According to him, the state government closely monitored the operation and provided the necessary support throughout the rescue effort.

“Since the incident occurred, the governor kept in constant communication, giving instructions and ensuring that the operation succeeded. His leadership has greatly encouraged security personnel in the state.”

The police boss also revealed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.

“As of now, we have eight suspects in police custody and seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incidents, including this one”

He noted that some of the rescued victims had already identified certain suspects as members of the gang that carried out the attack.

He added that the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified investigations while special tactical units had been deployed to the state to strengthen ongoing operations.

“We know that this axis presents security challenges. The directive now is to clear all bandit elements in and around the Amla forest. A comprehensive joint clearance operation is underway,” he said.

Emenari further stated that security personnel were currently conducting operations in several parts of the state including Sankera axis; Kwande, and Guma local government areas.

“We are entering the farming season, and we will not tolerate banditry, kidnapping or any criminal elements hiding in forests or farmlands to terrorize communities,” he added.

Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the police commissioner and other security agencies for their determination in securing the victims’ release.

The governor said the government and security chiefs had remained under pressure since the abduction occurred.

“Since the 15th of this month when these young people and other travellers were kidnapped along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, none of the security heads in the state has rested,” he said.

Alia, who said the victims included eight young students who were travelling to sit for their JAMB examination, disclosed that out of the 18 passengers in the bus, 15 were abducted during the attack while two managed to escape earlier before the final rescue operation.

The governor expressed gratitude to security agencies, local communities and the federal government for their support in the rescue efforts.

“I am very grateful to hear that several suspects have been identified as bandits and are currently in custody. Authorities must ensure that all accomplices are apprehended,” he said.

Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state and warned that Benue would not tolerate criminal elements.

“Benue has always been a land of peace and we cannot accommodate anyone who comes to destroy that peace,” he stated.

The governor directed that the rescued victims be taken to hospital for medical examination and care.

He also appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider rescheduling the examination for the eight students who missed it due to the kidnapping ordeal.

“I call on JAMB authorities to look into the case of these eight students and give them another opportunity to write their examination,” he said.

Alia assured the students and their families that the state government would support them in continuing their education.

In addition, he urged communities across the state to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to help curb kidnapping and other crimes.

Meanwhile, the released victims have expressed deep appreciation to God and the federal and state government as well as security agencies for their rescue urging them to provide adequate security for citizens to enable them go about their legitimate businesses without fear.

By Our Reporter

Retired Brigadier General Kukasheka Usman has revealed that the approximately 700 repentant Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the Nigerian military can no longer be reintegrated into the terrorist group, as the insurgents would view them with deep suspicion and likely kill them on sight.

Speaking in an interview with the press, Usman said, “Many people may not even be aware that all those people who have gone through the rehabilitation process are already persona non grata. Boko Haram terrorists will no longer accept the repentant fighters. They are natural suspects in the sense that they might be suspected of having ingrained devices on their bodies or being there to spy on them, and they would be killed instantly. So I think the most important thing is to continue to sensitise Nigerian society and other stakeholders to get their buy-in.”

He also addressed the legal foundation behind the military’s decision to accept the surrendering fighters in the first place, pointing out that international humanitarian law places a clear obligation on any government to render assistance to those who lay down their arms.

He noted that the fighters who surrendered voluntarily were not carrying weapons at the time, and were each thoroughly investigated, profiled, and assessed to determine the extent of their involvement in the northeast insurgency before any rehabilitation process began.