By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

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As Nigerians continue to rely on Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for their daily financial transactions, a new trend of card swapping has emerged, leaving many victims bewildered and financially vulnerable. In this article, we will explore the root of this issue and provide guidance on how to avoid falling prey to this scam.

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The Modus Operandi

The scam typically occurs when an ATM user inserts their card into the machine, only to have it retained or spat out. In many cases, the machine may appear to malfunction, prompting the user to remove their card and reinsert it. However, unbeknownst to the user, the machine may have swapped their card with a different one, often with a similar appearance.

The Consequences

When the user attempts to use the swapped card, they will inevitably encounter difficulties, as the card will not match their password or PIN. This can lead to frustration, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Implementation and Prevention

To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is essential to be vigilant when using ATMs. Here are some preventive measures to take:

1. Verify the card*: Before reinserting your card into the ATM, ensure it is indeed your card. Check the name, card number, and expiration date to confirm its authenticity.
2. Be cautious of malfunctioning ATMs*: If the ATM appears to be malfunctioning or retains your card, do not attempt to reinsert it. Instead, contact your bank or the ATM operator to report the issue.
3. Monitor your account activity*: Regularly check your account statements to detect any suspicious transactions.
4. Use ATMs at secure locations*: Opt for ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas, such as bank branches or shopping malls.

Tracing the Root of Card Swap

While the exact cause of card swapping is still unclear, it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including:

1. ATM maintenance and repair: Poorly maintained or repaired ATMs may be more prone to card swapping.
2. Card skimming and shimming: Criminals may use card skimming or shimming devices to steal card information and swap cards.
3. Insider involvement: In some cases, bank employees or ATM technicians may be complicit in the card swapping scheme.

Conclusion

Card swapping is a growing concern in Nigeria, and it is essential for ATM users to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures. By verifying the card, being cautious of malfunctioning ATMs, monitoring account activity, and using ATMs at secure locations, Nigerians can reduce their chances of falling victim to this scam. Remember, vigilance is key to protecting your financial security.

Eneojoh writes from Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fired the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari from office.

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All the board members of NNPCL led by Chief Pius Akinyelure have also been sacked, according to a statement made available to Media Houses in the early hours of Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

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Onanuga said, all board members who were appointed in November, 2023 were dissolved to give way for new members.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu inthe statement acknowledged the effort of Mele Kyari and his team in their contributions to rehabilitating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled the resumption of petroleum production. 

The statement partly reads, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.

“President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.”

In the new 11-member board, Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari has been named as the Group CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida takes over as the non-executive chairman. Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the company’s chief financial officer last year, has also been appointed to the new board.

Representing the country’s six geopolitical zones as non-executive directors are Bello Rabiu (North West), Yusuf Usman (North East), and Babs Omotowa (North Central). Others include Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South West), and Henry Obih (South East).

Additionally, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya from the Federal Ministry of Finance and Aminu Said Ahmed from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources have been appointed to represent their respective ministries.

According to the statement, the appointments take effect immediately, with President Tinubu citing Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, as the basis for the restructuring. 

The statement noted that the move is aimed at improving operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, increasing local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.

The new board has been tasked with conducting a strategic review of NNPC’s portfolio, particularly its operated and joint venture assets, to align them with value maximisation goals. 

As part of its targets, the administration is pushing to increase oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030, while gas output is expected to reach eight billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion by 2030.

The new board is also expected to expand NNPC’s share of crude oil refining, aiming for 200,000 barrels per day by 2027 and 500,000 by 2030.

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Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday revealed how plot to recall and assassinate her was hatched on 12th March, 2025 in Abuja.

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Narrating her ordeal when she paid Sallah visit to her Senatorial District in Kogi, the lawmaker who has been suspended for six months by the 10th Senate over alleged breach of Standing Rules of the Senate told the mammoth crowd that Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio got the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello involved to perfect strategies to recall her from the Senate.

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She said, the plan took place at Transcorp Hoteon the night of 12th March at about 10pm, where Bello was told to ensure that she was eliminated outside Abuja to avoid suspicion.

She explained:: “Mind you, on the 12th March, 2025 at about 10pm, Godswill Akpabio had called Governor Ododo to tell him that he should commence my recall, but Ododo told him, it will be impossible to do that.

“This is what Governor ododo said on the 12th. Listen. Ododo told him it is impossible because the masses are with her. But Akpabio wasn’t satisfied, he then sent for Yahaya Bello and it was Senator Asuquo from Cross River State that trailed Yahaya Bello from Transcorp Hilton.

“I was told of everything that happened.

They told Yahaya Bello to commence my recall that he was going to fund. Of course, money exchanged hands that night.

“The second thing they told him was that he should try and kill me. I didn’t make this public, but I wrote to the Inspector General of Police.

“Akpabio told Yahaya Bello that killing me doesn’t happen in Abuja. It should happen here (Kogi) so that it will look as if my people killed me here.

“I didn’t make that public, but we did notify security agencies.”

The lawmaker told her constituents that she ws removed as Committee Chairman on Local Contents angrily by the Senate President because of the Liquefied Natural Gas plants she influenced to Ajaokuta.

“Why they removed me as Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content was because of Gas plants which I influenced. Akpabio called members of his cabinet and questioned them on why the resources found its way here.

“He said I am using Niger Delta resources to promote the North and said he will stop it.

“I will prove to you what he did. After the Senate President removed me, of course it is because of five NLNG projects. He said ever since he made me Chairman of Local Contents, I have used that office to promote the north.”

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