Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Receives 268 Nigerians as Federal Government Begins South Africa Evacuation Over Xenophobia
Foreign Affairs Ministry says over 1,000 citizens seek urgent repatriation; Air Peace to conduct additional flights
Foreign Affairs Ministry says over 1,000 citizens seek urgent repatriation; Air Peace to conduct additional flights
The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa in response to renewed xenophobic attacks arrived in Lagos on Thursday, with 268 citizens landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace flight organised by the Federal Government. The coordinated evacuation marks the beginning of a larger repatriation exercise as more Nigerians express fear for their safety abroad.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the flight was initially delayed due to documentation and processing challenges before departing Johannesburg on Wednesday. Nigerian High Commission officials in Pretoria have been working with South African authorities to expedite travel arrangements for citizens affected by recent anti-foreigner violence. The government said more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated interest in returning home, and additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days.
The evacuation comes amid a spike in xenophobic incidents targeting African migrants in South Africa, causing anxiety among Nigerian families and prompting calls for urgent action. Many returnees faced immigration issues that ordinarily could have led to detention but were granted special waivers as part of the emergency programme. The Federal Government stressed that protecting Nigerian citizens overseas remains a central pillar of its foreign policy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said in a written statement that the High Commission was committed to ensuring a smooth and dignified return for all evacuees. “This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated. She noted that screening and documentation efforts were extended due to rising applications from Nigerians seeking repatriation.
Authorities say Thursday’s arrival is only the first phase of ongoing efforts to bring affected Nigerians home safely. Further evacuation flights are being arranged by Air Peace under government coordination. Xenophobic attacks have strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa over the years, with periodic outbreaks leading to diplomatic tensions and calls for stronger protections for migrant communities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania
Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces
Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces
A senior officer of the Nigerian Army has made history in the United States by becoming the first Nigerian to achieve top honours at the US War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The achievement, which was confirmed on Thursday, June 11, highlights a significant milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces on the international stage.
According to information released by military authorities, the officer distinguished himself among peers from several countries during his academic and leadership programmes at the institution. His performance reportedly surpassed previous records set by Nigerians and other international participants at the college.
The US War College is recognised globally for grooming senior military leaders and strategists. Nigeria’s army has maintained a tradition of sending selected officers for advanced training there as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. This latest accomplishment is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in international military circles and is expected to inspire other officers within the service.
While official statements from Defence Headquarters praised the officer’s commitment and excellence, some security analysts described the feat as evidence of improvement in Nigeria’s military training standards. “This shows that with proper support and exposure, Nigerian officers can compete favourably anywhere in the world,” one analyst said.
The officer is expected to return to Nigeria soon, where he will be decorated in an official ceremony. The Army says his success underscores its commitment to investing in human capital development. Stakeholders believe this will motivate more personnel to pursue excellence both locally and internationally.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Army GOC Commissions New Barracks in Rivers, Honours Fallen Soldiers at 29 Battalion
Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy
Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has commissioned newly renovated accommodation and a Heroes Memorial Stand at the Headquarters of the 29 Battalion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event, which held on 8 June 2026, saw the Army reaffirm its commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel serving in the South-South region.
During the commissioning ceremony, Major General Emekah stressed that sound administration and improved living conditions are central to the command philosophy of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. He stated that providing decent accommodation is critical for boosting troops’ morale and ensuring operational effectiveness as they confront contemporary security challenges in the Niger Delta and beyond.
The GOC commended Lieutenant Colonel Irinam Otogo, Commanding Officer of the 29 Battalion, for demonstrating leadership by executing projects targeted at raising living standards for soldiers under his command. According to Emekah, such investments are necessary to maintain a highly motivated and combat-ready force. “Welfare of our troops is not just a routine; it is an ongoing priority that ensures our men remain focused and ready to defend national interests,” he said at the event.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a Heroes Memorial Stand in honour of officers and men who lost their lives in service. While the Nigerian Army did not disclose casualty figures during the event, Emekah emphasised that remembering fallen heroes is vital for building esprit de corps among serving personnel.
As at press time, representatives from civil society groups were not present at the occasion and opposition parties have yet to comment on the development. The Army has indicated that further barracks renovation projects are planned across key formations in Rivers and neighbouring states under ongoing welfare initiatives led by Army headquarters.
Nigeria News (Standard)
ISWAP Bomb Expert and Senior Commander Surrender to Nigerian Army in Borno
Military confirms high-profile defections as security forces intensify operations against insurgents in North-East region
Military confirms high-profile defections as security forces intensify operations against insurgents in North-East region
A senior bomb expert and top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to Nigerian military authorities in Borno State, officials announced on Thursday. The development comes as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by the armed forces in the North-East.
According to security sources, the ISWAP operatives turned themselves in to troops stationed in Borno, where military operations have been intensified against insurgent hideouts. The surrender reportedly took place earlier this week, though the army did not disclose specific details about the identities of the former militants or the exact location for operational reasons.
The surrender of a bomb specialist and a senior field commander is considered significant by security analysts, given ISWAP’s reputation for deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and carrying out coordinated attacks on both civilian and military targets. The North-East, particularly Borno State, has been at the centre of the over a decade-long insurgency that has displaced millions and caused thousands of deaths.
Military officials welcomed the development as evidence that sustained pressure on ISWAP camps is yielding results. “Our intensified operations are forcing many terrorists to reconsider their position,” an official said, urging other insurgents to lay down their arms. There was no immediate response from ISWAP or independent verification from local authorities.
Security experts say such high-profile defections could weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity in the region, but warn that continued vigilance is needed. The military has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace across affected communities, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies as clearance operations continue.
Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania
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