UK Introduces Digital eVisas for Nigerian Study and Work Applicants

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July 10, 2025

The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday announced a change to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.

Starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, a statement from the BHC revealed.

The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

According to the statement, “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”

Importantly, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.

The statement further stated that once their visa is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision and instructions to set up a UKVI account in order to access their eVisa.

“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.
“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, said, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.

“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”

She also noted that not all applicants would be affected by the new system immediately.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” she added.

The High Commission clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Holders of a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England.

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must; Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk); Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics; Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required; Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary.

NiMet Issues Flash Flood Alert, Lists High-Risk States

By

Kwaghza Asema Cephas

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July 10, 2025

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flood alert for July 2025, warning that several states across the country are at significant risk of experiencing flash floods due to the intensifying rainfall pattern.

In its monthly risk forecast released on Monday, NiMet identified Sokoto State as having a high probability of flash flooding, urging authorities and residents to take proactive measures to mitigate potential damage.

Other states flagged with notable flood risks include: Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

The agency emphasized the need for preparedness, advising residents in the affected states to:

Relocate from flood-prone areas where necessary,clear blocked drainages and waterways,turn off electricity and gas during flooding,prepare emergency kits,Reinforce structures against mudslides,raise public awareness at the community level.

NiMet reiterated its commitment to providing timely weather updates and urged state governments and emergency agencies to coordinate disaster response plans to reduce the impact of flash floods.

Full List: Nigerian Universities That Accept 150 JAMB Score (2025/2026)

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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July 10, 2025

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As the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) continues to roll out the 2025/2026 admission processes, many candidates who scored 150 and above are asking one crucial question: “Which universities will accept me?”

While a score of 150 may not get you into the most competitive programs, it doesn’t mean the end of your academic journey. In fact, several universities, especially state and privately owned institutions, are open to admitting candidates within this range, depending on the course.

Below, we’ve compiled a helpful breakdown of schools you can still apply to with a 150 JAMB score and those where your chances are very slim, if not impossible.

Schools That Accept a 150 JAMB Score

Contrary to what many believe, several universities in Nigeria accept candidates with a JAMB score of 150, particularly for non-competitive courses. These schools often conduct Post-UTME screening or other admission processes that can still give candidates a fair chance.

Here are universities and programs where a 150 UTME score still stands a chance.

Federal & State Universities

Federal University, Dutse (FUD, Jigawa) – Cut-off begins at around 150 for most programs
Federal University, Dutsin‑Ma (FUDMA, Katsina) – Open to 140+ in many courses
Federal Univ. Birnin Kebbi (FUBK, Kebbi) – Accepts 140–150, especially in Arts and Social Sciences
Federal Univ. Gusau (FUGUS, Zamfara) – Programs in Education, Social Sciences welcome 150+
Federal Univ. Gashua (Yobe) – Generally open at 140
Federal Univ. Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) – Known to accept 150 in some faculties
Federal Univ. Wukari (Taraba) – Accepts 150 for some courses
Federal Univ. of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – Surprisingly listed as accepting 150 in less competitive streams
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) – Welcomes candidates from 140–150, depending on course
Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA) – Cut-off begins at around 150 for most programs
Delta State University (DELSU) – Cut-off around 150, especially in Education or Arts
Ebonyi State University (EBSU) – Accepts 140–150
Bauchi State University (BASUG/Gadau) – Programs from 140
Sokoto State University (SSU) – Cut-off roughly 140–150
Kebbi State Univ. Science & Tech. (KSUSTA) – Starts at 140
Taraba State University (TASU) – Accepts 140s in some courses
Plateau State University (PLASU) – Opens doors at around 150 for Arts & Education
Adamawa State University (ADSU) – Accepts 140–150
Federal Polytechnic Ede – Polytechnic requiring 150

Other State & Technical Institutions

Confluence Univ. of Science & Tech., Kogi – State technical varsity requiring minimum 140

Private Universities

Madonna University – Cut-off around 150
Igbinedion University – Accepts candidates from 140
Lead City University (Ibadan) – Flexible, 140–150
Gregory University – 140+
Bowen University – Around 160
Crescent University (Abeokuta) – Accepts ~150
Babcock University – 160+ but sometimes lower
Caleb University (Lagos) – Accepts 150+
Benson Idahosa University – 160+
Oduduwa University – 150+
Crawford, Veritas, Wesley, Novena, Achievers Universities – Many accept 150+

Schools That Require Over 150 UTME Score

While 150 may be acceptable in some schools, it’s far below the cut-off for Nigeria’s top universities and most competitive courses. If you’re aiming for the following institutions, you’ll need to explore alternative options like a change of course/institution or JUPEB/Foundation programs.

High-profile federal and top-tier universities have much higher cut-offs, often above 200.

University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Minimum 200+; Medicine and Engineering require 250+
University of Ibadan (UI) – Starts at 200, competitive courses demand 240+
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 200+ cut-off
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – 180+, mostly above 200 for professional courses
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 180–200
Federal University of Technology, Minna/ Owerri (FUTMINNA/FUTO) – Science programs require way above 150
Ladoke Akintola University of Tech (LAUTECH) – Strong competition; cut-off typically 180+

What Should You Do With a 150 Score?

Map out course-level cut-offs – Use institution or department cutoff tables.
Opt for less competitive courses or institutions with broader access.
Apply early for supplementary routes like Pre-degree, JUPEB, part-time or diploma programmes.
Prepare diligently for Post-UTME – It can offset a lower UTME score.
Consider private universities – They often admit based on a combination, not just JAMB.

Quick Comparison Table

University Type	Example Institutions	Cut-off Range	Programs
Federal/State (Accessible)	FUD, NSUK, DELSU, SSU, TASU, PLASU	140–150	Education, Arts, Social Sciences
Technical Polytechnics	FPEde	150	Science, Tech diplomas
Private Universities	Madonna, Lead City, Caleb	140–160	Varied, incl. professional degrees
Top Federal Universities	UNILAG, UI, ABU, UNN, OAU, LAUTECH	180+	All programs (Medicine, Engineering, Law, etc.)

A 150 JAMB score opens doors to many worthwhile institutions, especially among federal/state and private universities offering non-professional programs. Just don’t set your sights on top-tier schools or courses that mandate higher scores without alternative admission plans.

With strategy, early applications, and excellent Post-UTME prep, a 150 isn’t a roadblock; it’s a stepping stone.

2027 Elections: Babachir Reveals APC Governors Backing Opposition Coalition

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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July 9, 2025

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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has made bold claims about growing cracks within the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that several governors and senior party figures are secretly supporting the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a recent interview, Lawal said although these individuals have not yet made their support public, they are quietly aligning with the coalition’s mission to unseat the current administration.

“Yes, there are [APC members working with the coalition], and they will speak for themselves. Some might not be brave or bold enough to do it the way I have, but there are very many, some tell me, including some governors,” he revealed.

Lawal, who officially left the ruling party on June 29, admitted that he had already been working against the party from within. He cited a long-standing dissatisfaction with how the APC has been run, accusing the party of stifling internal debate and turning into a space where dissent is treated as betrayal.

“The APC has never been united; it’s been a party that has been intimidated and bullied into silence. No internal cohesion; you cannot even advise. Even advice is taken as anti-party. So, many people got frustrated that you cannot talk truth to power in APC,” he said.

He further accused the party of creating the very playbook it now condemns, members remaining in one party while working for another. Lawal referenced Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as an example of this strategy in action. “I’m learning a template from APC: this template of remaining in one party and working for another. This is a script APC developed, which Wike has enhanced and grown beyond imagination. Wike is our leader in this type of politics,” he said.

On President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Lawal did not mince words, accusing him of disappointing his closest allies by sidelining them and allowing what he described as a poorly managed government to fester. He argued that many of Tinubu’s long-time supporters have now turned away in search of real change.

“A lot of us are people whose primary aim is to replace this government with a better government that serves Nigerians better. If you want to serve this country better, you need to do so from the angle of politics, policies, governance, and leadership. You need to replace the non-performing party,” he added.

Lawal claimed that some governors who recently defected to the APC did so out of political necessity, rather than belief in the ruling party’s direction. “It’s true the governors are decamping. Why are they decamping to the APC? Because they know the president has given himself an automatic ticket, there will be no primaries, and no other candidate will be allowed to raise their head,” he said. “Most of the governors understand that this government is a government that wrote results to become what they are. So, they can write you out even in your own convention in an opposition party. So, all these governors are moving to APC to secure their next elections. However, the governors are moving, but nobody is moving with them; the people are not.”

He dismissed claims that the coalition is a vehicle for former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s political ambition. Lawal described the coalition as a non-partisan movement united by a common desire to change Nigeria’s leadership, and not tied to any one person’s presidential dream.

“The coalition is not about Atiku. I’ve attended meetings tilted towards Obi, Atiku, and Amaechi. Atiku has never spoken in all our meetings, except the last meeting, where he was asked to speak,” he said.

“Before we started the coalition, we told everybody that has political ambition to lock it down in a cupboard because the understanding is that no one person can defeat an incumbent government. Peter Obi understands that with his Obedient movement, he cannot win this election on a standalone basis. Amaechi understands, and Atiku too; we must have a coalition, get together, join forces, join ideas, and work to defeat this government.”

As 2027 inches closer, Lawal’s revelations paint a picture of a ruling party battling discontent from within, and an opposition increasingly strategic, united and emboldened by growing cracks in the establishment it aims to replace.

Low Performance Marks 2025 NABTEB FTC Entrance Exam

By

Olaosun Rebecca

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July 9, 2025

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Only 39% Pass NABTEB Entrance Exam into Federal Technical Colleges. The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has released the results of the 2025 entrance examination into Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs), with statistics showing a concerning performance by candidates across the country. According to the board, only 39 per cent of candidates scored 50 per cent and above, raising concerns about the state of foundational technical education in Nigeria.

The results were announced in Benin City on Wednesday by NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Mohammed, during the formal commencement of a three-day selection and placement exercise. This annual exercise determines which successful candidates will be admitted into FTCs nationwide.

Out of a total of 24,074 candidates who participated in the entrance exam, only 9,389 managed to attain a pass mark of 50 per cent and above. Even more concerning is the fact that just 316 candidates, about 1.31 per cent scored 70 per cent and above, reflecting a wide performance gap and limited high achievers among the candidate pool.

“Furthermore, 316 candidates accounting for 1.31 per cent attained scores of 70 per cent and above, while 14,685 candidates constituting 61 per cent scored below 50 per cent. Additionally, the results indicated that eight candidates representing 0.03 per cent achieved the highest rank,” Dr. Mohammed said.

The low overall performance has sparked conversations about the quality of foundational education feeding into the technical and vocational education sector, which has become a renewed focus under the current administration.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Dr. Mohammed urged those involved in the placement process to adopt a merit-based, transparent, and fair selection model, emphasizing that technical colleges must admit candidates most likely to benefit from their highly specialised vocational curriculum.

“I look forward to a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process that attracts the most talented and motivated students. By getting this process right, I am confident that we can set our students up for success and enhance the reputation of our institution,” he said.

He also praised the Federal Government’s recent interventions aimed at strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, which is key to developing job-ready skills and improving youth employment outcomes in Nigeria.

In a message delivered by Dr. Muibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving access to quality technical education.

He disclosed that two additional Federal Technical Colleges have been established in Enugu and Plateau States, as part of ongoing efforts to expand access and ensure national spread. Plans are also underway to establish three more FTCs, with the goal of ensuring that every state in the federation and the FCT has at least one federal technical college.

“Despite the daunting challenges, we are focused on implementing policies that will uplift the lives of our children, the performance of our colleges, and the future of this nation,” Alausa said.

The announcement has sparked renewed conversations about the need for deeper investment in basic education, teacher training, and early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy, especially as TVET gains more prominence in national policy and job creation agendas.

Education stakeholders, including principals of Federal Technical Colleges, ministry officials, NABTEB staff, and education experts, were in attendance at the result presentation and placement exercise, which will continue over the next two days. The outcome of this process will determine the new intake for the 2025/2026 academic session in technical colleges across Nigeriia.

Musa Denies Gifting Cars To Pillars Players And Officials

By

Kwaghza Asema Cephas

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July 9, 2025

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Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has categorically denied circulating social media claims alleging that he distributed luxury vehicles to players and officials of Kano Pillars Football Club following his recent appointment as the club’s General Manager.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Musa described the reports as entirely false and misleading. The rumour, which gained traction earlier in the day, alleged that Musa had gifted brand-new Toyota Land Cruisers to all team members and coaching staff to mark his return to the club in an executive role.

Reacting to the development, Musa dismissed the claims as baseless fabrications and urged the public and media to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it online.

“It has come to my attention that false information is being circulated claiming that I distributed cars to players and officials following my appointment as General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club,” he wrote.

“This claim is entirely untrue.

I urge the public, media outlets, and individuals on social media to verify information from credible sources before sharing. Spreading unverified news not only misleads the public but also undermines the integrity of the club and its leadership.”

Musa concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to rebuilding Kano Pillars into a competitive force.

“Our focus remains on building a strong, disciplined, and successful team. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

A fact-check conducted by our correspondent revealed that the images of Land Cruiser SUVs being circulated were taken from an unrelated event. The photos were originally published in March 2024, showing vehicles donated by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris to members of the State House of Assembly—completely unconnected to Musa or Kano Pillars.

Despite the misinformation, Musa remained unbothered and was seen participating in a training session with Pillars players on Tuesday. His dual role as both an active player and administrator marks a new chapter for the four-time Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions.

Musa was officially unveiled as the General Manager of Kano Pillars on Saturday, July 5, by the Kano State Government. In his first official meeting with the club’s board on Monday, he pledged to restore the club’s glory and reaffirm its status in Nigerian and African football.

“Kano Pillars is our club and one of the most successful in Nigeria, but in recent years, the story has changed,” Musa told the board.

“I want to assure everyone that, with your support and the backing of the board members, I will do everything possible to reposition the club and make it one of the finest—not just in Africa, but globally.

Having played for Pillars and gained experience from top European leagues, I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the club’s revival.”

He also emphasized the importance of unity, strategic planning, and dedication among all stakeholders to usher in a successful new era for the club under his leadership.

Global Investors Shift To Active Equity Funds Amid Market Volatility

By

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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July 9, 2025

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Global investors are increasingly turning to actively managed equity funds in 2025, responding to heightened market volatility triggered by renewed U.S. tariffs and a broadening of the stock market rally beyond mega-cap tech names.

Data from LSEG Lipper shows that active equity funds attracted a record $127 billion in inflows during the first half of the year, a 57% surge compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, passively managed equity funds recorded an 8% drop in inflows.

Passive investment strategies have dominated recent years, favored for their low fees and reliable returns. However, the landscape is shifting. Market disruptions, including tariff policies under U.S. President Donald Trump and escalating geopolitical tensions, are prompting investors to seek the strategic flexibility of active management.

The current environment of sectoral and stock-level divergence is opening the door for active managers to outperform particularly those targeting companies with robust pricing power, diverse revenue streams, and stable supply chains.

A recent Natixis Investment Managers survey revealed that 71% of strategists anticipate continued equity market volatility, with 68% expecting similar turbulence in bond markets. Despite this, a majority see opportunity: 71% of respondents are eyeing equities for returns, while 74% are looking to fixed income.

“Simply tracking an index may no longer deliver the diversification or downside protection investors assume,” said Joseph Shaposhnik, portfolio manager at Rainwater Equity. “Active managers who maintain valuation discipline and prudent capital allocation have largely avoided crowded, overvalued sectors, contributing to net outperformance this year.”

According to LSEG, global equity gains in 2025 have been led by the financial, telecom, and mining sectors, each posting returns of 10% or more. Meanwhile, the technology sector which has led in previous years has underperformed, with returns of just 8.6%.

Chad Harmer, chief investment officer at Harmer Wealth Management, noted that the top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 now represent nearly 35% of the index’s total market capitalization, an imbalance that historically precedes underperformance.

“When market leadership narrows, index investors unknowingly assume increased single-stock risk,” Harmer said. “Active managers are better positioned to mitigate that risk or to allocate capital into undervalued segments of the market.”

7th ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open

By

Kwaghza Asema Cephas

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July 9, 2025

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Preparations are in top gear for the seventh edition of the ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open, scheduled to take place from July 9 to 11 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

This year’s event will feature athletes from neighbouring West African nations, including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and host country Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), Sunday Odebode, emphasized the tournament’s importance as a qualifying event for the inaugural West African Paralympic Games set for September.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, highlighted the significance of Lagos hosting the tournament, stating that the state continues to solidify its reputation as the table tennis hub of Africa.

Also present at the briefing, the Chief Operating Officer of ITTF Africa, Kweku Tandoh, commended ValueJet for its unwavering support of the tournament. He also praised the PCN president for his dedication to promoting para table tennis in Nigeria through the consistent organization of the annual event.

Among the standout athletes to watch is Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle, who spoke passionately about the tournament’s impact on his career.

“This competition is the foundation of my journey,” Ogunkunle said. “It was through this platform that I was discovered, and it gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, dreams I’m still striving to fully achieve, even with the bronze medal from Paris. I hope to see new talents emerge at this year’s edition.”

The tournament promises to showcase inspiring stories and fierce competition, continuing its legacy as a vital platform for para table tennis development in Nigeria and the West African region.

Naira Gains Ground In Parallel Market, Trades At N1,560/$

By

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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July 9, 2025

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The naira appreciated slightly in the parallel market on Tuesday, exchanging at N1,560 per dollar compared to N1,565 on Monday, signaling renewed strength for the local currency in informal trade circles. This five-naira gain comes amid ongoing interventions and policy measures aimed at narrowing the gap between official and unofficial exchange rates.

However, the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) told a different story. Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the naira depreciated marginally at the official window, closing at N1,530.5 per dollar. This marks a one-naira drop from N1,529.5 recorded the previous day.

As a result, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rates has tightened. The gap, which stood at N35.5 per dollar on Monday, shrank to N29.5 per dollar by Tuesday, an encouraging sign for economic observers who have called for a more unified and transparent exchange rate system.

The appreciation in the black market may reflect improved dollar liquidity, possibly due to foreign inflows or speculative traders offloading hoarded dollars in anticipation of further naira stabilization. Meanwhile, the slight depreciation in the official market is seen as part of natural market adjustments within the managed float system introduced by the CBN.

This development comes against the backdrop of intensified monetary reforms, including periodic dollar interventions by the apex bank and efforts to boost non-oil export earnings to shore up Nigeria’s foreign reserves. While volatility still characterizes both forex segments, the narrowing of the spread is being viewed by analysts as a step in the right direction.

Still, many stakeholders caution that sustained naira recovery will require structural changes including reducing import dependency, curbing speculative trading, and fostering investor confidence. For now, the improved parallel market performance offers a glimmer of hope for businesses and consumers grappling with fluctuating exchange rates and inflationary pressures.

South Korea Sends Back Six North Koreans Who Asked To Return

By

Ohiomoje Margaret

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July 9, 2025

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South Korea has sent six North Korean nationals back to their country after they unintentionally entered South Korean territory earlier this year. Officials explained that all six individuals had consistently communicated a “strong desire” to return home.

Two of the individuals had crossed into the South’s waters in March and remained for four months, marking the longest known stay by non-defectors in recent history.

The remaining four were fishermen who mistakenly crossed the contested sea boundary between the two nations in May.

This repatriation marks the first of its kind since President Lee Jae-myung assumed office, having previously emphasized the importance of renewing inter-Korean engagement. Authorities on both sides reportedly faced delays in coordinating the return, despite ongoing efforts over several months.

Cases of North Korean vessels unintentionally veering south are not new. Such incidents are often linked to the use of small, manually operated boats that are difficult to redirect once they drift off course.

Previously, returns like these were arranged via the shared land border, requiring both governments to communicate. However, that coordination channel collapsed in April 2023 when North Korea severed all inter-Korean contact amid escalating hostilities.

Eight months following that communication breakdown, the North’s leader, Kim Jong Un, publicly declared that reunification between the two Koreas was no longer a goal.

Currently, the only functioning methods of contact between North and South involve intermediaries like the United Nations Command or limited interactions through the media.

According to South Korean officials, they attempted twice to relay their intent to return the six individuals using UN Command communication pathways. However, they did not receive any formal acknowledgment from the North.

On the day of the handover, North Korean patrol ships and fishing boats appeared at the site, prompting speculation that some form of informal coordination had occurred “behind the scenes.”

“If you set a boat adrift in the vast ocean without any co-ordination, there’s a real risk it could drift away again,” says Nam Sung-wook, the former head of the Korea National Strategy Institute think tank.

Nam also noted that once back in North Korea, the individuals are likely to undergo intense scrutiny.

“They’ll be grilled on whether they received any espionage training or overheard anything sensitive. [It will be] an intense process aimed at extracting every last piece of information,” he says.

Following their interrogation, they might be recruited to promote the state’s narrative. Their willingness to return “strengthens the legitimacy of [Kim’s] regime”, adds Lim Eul-chul, a professor specialising in North studies in Kyungnam University.

Michael Madden, a researcher focused on North Korean affairs, pointed out that the events occurred while South Korea was under temporary leadership due to the impeachment of the former president.

“This may have delayed some decision making in both Koreas.

“Pyongyang certainly did not trust the Yoon remnants in South Korea, and both Koreas could have been open to accusations of an unlawful repatriation out of political expedience by the international community,” he said.

These returns have raised concerns among some North Korean defectors living in the South.

Activist Lee Min-bok says the six people “should have been given a chance to talk to defectors and learn more about South Korean society”.

“If I’d had the chance to speak with them, I would have told them the truth [about inter-Korean history] and warned them that they could eventually face punishment from the North Korean regime, simply because they had already experienced life in the South,” says Mr Lee, who used to float balloons with anti-Kim leaflets into the North.

But many activists are anticipating tighter restrictions under the current administration, which favors greater engagement with Pyongyang.

Lawmakers in Seoul are currently reviewing legislation that would prohibit sending information across the border using balloons.

Since taking office in June, President Lee has promised to revive talks with the North and ease hostilities. Shortly after assuming power, South Korea’s military halted its use of loudspeakers to broadcast propaganda toward the North, calling it a gesture to “restore trust in inter-Korean relations and achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula”.

Still, several experts remain skeptical about the possibility of renewed cooperation between the two sides.

North Korea has “built up solid co-operation” with Russia, and now has “little need” to engage the South, says Celeste Arrington, director of The George Washington University Institute for Korean Studies.

She also noted that many South Koreans currently show limited interest in reconnecting with the North.

“Thus, there are few signals, if any, of North Korea wanting to re-establish lines of communication with the South, let alone a desire for meaningful warming of relations.”