Crime
NHIA To Begins Compliance Checks On HMOs After Directive On One-Hour Limit For Treatment Authorisation
NHIA To Begins Compliance Checks On HMOs After Directive On One-Hour Limit For Treatment Authorisation
NHIA to begins compliance checks on HMOs after directive on one-hour limit for treatment authorisation. This initiative aims to enforce a new policy requiring Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to issue pre-authorisation codes within one hour of receiving a request.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has begun on-the-spot compliance inspections at hospitals within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This initiative aims to enforce a new policy requiring Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to issue pre-authorisation codes within one hour of receiving a request.
The exercise carried out on Saturday in Abuja and led by the NHIA’s enforcement team is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate delays in access to care for enrollees under the national health insurance scheme.
The directive introduced by NHIA’s director-general, Kelechi Ohiri, mandates healthcare facilities to proceed with treatment if HMOs do not issue pre-authorisation codes within the stipulated one-hour timeframe.
During unannounced visits to the National Hospital Abuja and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, the NHIA team observed varying levels of compliance.
At the National Hospital, NHIA’s acting director of enforcement, Habib Abdulhamid, reported a 70 per cent compliance rate with the one-hour rule.
However, he noted that some personnel responsible for requesting authorisation codes were not fully acquainted with the new policy.
As a result, the NHIA team conducted an impromptu sensitisation session on site.
“Some HMOs found to have delayed authorisation were contacted immediately by the NHIA team during the visit,” he said.
He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to investigating irregularities and warned that sanctions would be imposed on any HMO or healthcare facility that breached the directive.
“The NHIA will not hesitate to sanction any non-compliant healthcare facility or HMO. Those failing to meet the guidelines must improve their performance,” he added.
Tony Osuji, the NHIA desk officer at the National Hospital, stated that the hospital has already implemented measures to reduce waiting times and resolve bottlenecks in service delivery for patients.
Meanwhile, at FMC Jabi, the NHIA team reported full compliance by HMOs.
However, in one instance, a delay in care was traced to the hospital’s failure to upload the required data promptly, despite a timely response from the HMO.
NHIA To Begins Compliance Checks On HMOs
Commenting on the overall outcome of the monitoring visit, NHIA’s director for the North-Central B region, Chris Okoh, acknowledged noticeable improvements in HMO response times.
He, however, emphasised the need for sustained vigilance and strict adherence to NHIA policies.
The NHIA plans to extend the compliance monitoring exercise to other parts of the country in the coming weeks to strengthen accountability and enhance the patient experience under the health insurance scheme.
Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Capacity, Destroys Site With 3 Storage Tanks in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy, through FOB BONNY, has dismantled an illegal refining site discovered in Promise Land Community along Nanabie Creek, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, further denying criminal operators the infrastructure required to process stolen crude oil.
Eereporter.com
The site was discovered on 30 September 2026 following credible intelligence and comprised one large cooking pot and 3 large storage tanks intended for illegal refining activities. On 2 October 2026, the Commanding Officer, FOB BONNY, Captain SMC Umeh, led a team to the location, where the illegal refining site and associated equipment were destroyed in accordance with established regulations.
The intervention represents a further disruption of illegal refining capacity within the Bonny area, particularly by removing infrastructure that could be used to process and store stolen crude oil. It also follows recent operations by FOB BONNY under Operation DELTA SENTINEL that uncovered substantial volumes of suspected stolen crude oil and associated illegal refining infrastructure within its Area of Operations
Oil
The Nigerian Navy has continued to strengthen surveillance and monitoring across the area to prevent the establishment or reactivation of illegal refining sites and deny criminal operators the infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft and related activities.
ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO
Navy Captain
Director Naval Information
Nigerian Navy
Eereporter.com
Nigerian Police Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Recover Rocket Launchers
The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled an attempted bandit attack on Tsabre community in Isa Local Government Area, recovering two rocket launchers and other items abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
Eereporter.com
The incident occurred around 1am on Friday when the armed men reportedly invaded the village and opened sporadic gunfire, causing panic among residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
He said the Divisional Police Officer in Isa, upon receiving a distress call, immediately mobilised tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit, to confront the attackers.
According to him, the police engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest.
“The tactical teams engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. Due to the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into the nearby forest with their casualties,” Rufa’i said.
He added that the police subsequently combed the surrounding bushes and recovered two rocket launchers and two empty AK-47 magazines.
Other items recovered included a Techno keypad phone without a battery, a touch light, an Army jungle hat, a sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and courage during the operation.
Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Police
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police.
The CP further appealed to residents to report anyone with suspected gunshot wounds seeking medical attention to the nearest police station, as efforts continue to track the fleeing attackers.
Eereporter.com
Navy Rescues 2 Kidnapped Victims, Recovers Stolen Outboard Engines in Akwa Ibom
The Nigerian Navy has rescued 2 kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in the Ibeno general area of Akwa Ibom State on 30 September 2026.
Eereporter.com
The operation followed credible information on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen and forcibly taking away fishing boats and outboard engines. In response, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno, swiftly mobilised to the area to counter the threat.
During the operation, the naval team encountered 2 boats suspected to be operated by the criminals, prompting the occupants to flee into adjoining creeks. In the ensuing pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the 2 kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the naval team and escorted to safety. The recovered outboard engines were secured for verification and further necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to Search and Rescue (SAR), the protection of lives and the security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters. Through its network of ships, bases, surveillance systems, maritime quick response teams and other operational elements, the Nigerian Navy continues to maintain a presence across the maritime domain, enabling timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats.
Navy
The operation also demonstrates the importance of credible intelligence and community support in enhancing maritime security. The Nigerian Navy therefore encourages coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to continue providing timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and responding rapidly to persons in distress.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and will continue to sustain proactive patrols, Search and Rescue operations, and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in the nation’s waterways.
Eereporter.com
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