Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Receives 268 Nigerians as South Africa Deports 586 Over Immigration Breaches
South African authorities bar repatriated Nigerians from re-entering for five years; Abuja urges citizens to regularise status abroad
South African authorities bar repatriated Nigerians from re-entering for five years; Abuja urges citizens to regularise status abroad
A total of 268 Nigerians landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday after being deported by South African authorities for residing in the country without proper documentation. The mass repatriation, which began with the first flight on 11 June 2026, is part of South Africa’s clampdown on illegal immigrants amid rising xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals.
According to a statement from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, officials processed a total of 586 Nigerian nationals found to be living illegally in the country. The initial group was flown back to Nigeria on Thursday morning, while a second batch is scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Monday, 15 June.
The department explained that all affected persons were issued emergency travel certificates by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to enable their return. In line with South African immigration laws, those deported have been declared undesirable persons and will be barred from re-entering the country for at least five years.
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the move demonstrated government’s resolve to enforce immigration regulations and restore order. “Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46 per cent over the past two years, are clear evidence of this,” Schreiber stated in a written statement.
He further noted that reforms including electronic travel authorisation and biometric data collection will strengthen future enforcement efforts. The Department of Home Affairs also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation during the documentation process.
While receiving the returnees in Lagos, Nigerian officials urged citizens intending to travel or reside abroad to ensure they comply with host countries’ immigration requirements. Government reiterated its call for Nigerians abroad to regularise their papers and avoid actions that could jeopardise their legal status or safety.
Source: https://punchng.com/xenophobia-safrica-repatriates-586-nigerians/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Young Nigerians in Lagos Raise Alarm Over Trust and Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections
Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls
Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls
Young Nigerians in Lagos have expressed serious concerns about low trust in the electoral process and continued underrepresentation of women, calling on political stakeholders to address these gaps ahead of the 2027 general elections. The issue was raised during a public forum held on Sunday, where participants highlighted the urgent need for reforms that will encourage wider participation and restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.
The event saw several youth leaders and advocates for gender inclusion voicing frustration over persistent barriers facing women who seek elective positions, as well as a growing sense of apathy among young voters. Speakers pointed to previous election cycles where female aspirants were sidelined during party primaries, and noted that many youths remain sceptical about the ability of politicians to deliver on their promises.
With Nigeria’s population increasingly skewed towards younger demographics, observers say these trends could undermine the legitimacy and vibrancy of future polls if not addressed. “If women are not given adequate opportunities and if young people continue to distrust the system, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful development,” one participant stated during the discussion.
Organisers urged political parties across all regions—including APC, PDP, LP, and others—to adopt internal policies that promote fair representation for women at both state and federal levels. They also called for increased transparency in candidate selection processes, as well as public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation and voter apathy among young Nigerians.
As preparations begin for the 2027 elections, stakeholders emphasised that rebuilding trust will require concrete action from party leaders, electoral bodies, and civil society groups. They warned that failure to address these issues could result in lower voter turnout and continued exclusion of critical voices from Nigeria’s democratic process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road
Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties
Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties
Police operatives in Zamfara State have safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along a major road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred along the Kunchin Kalgo axis, was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to police authorities, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were swiftly deployed to the scene after credible intelligence was received from community members. The IED was discovered before it could detonate, and security personnel successfully neutralised the device without any reported casualties or disruption to traffic.
The command stated that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive was strategically placed to inflict harm on innocent commuters and other road users. “Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was strategically planted to cause mass casualties among innocent road users and commuters,” the command said in its statement.
Police attributed the timely discovery of the device to improved collaboration between security agencies and residents in Zamfara State. “Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” police authorities added.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara, part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where banditry and attacks on travellers have persisted despite heightened security measures. The police command reiterated its call for continued vigilance and cooperation from residents to help prevent further attacks. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted attack.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-defuse-bandits-explosive-on-zamfara-road/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Niger State Shuts 15 Health Centres, Arrests Suspected Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown
Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners
Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners
Authorities in Niger State have sealed off 15 private health centres and arrested a man accused of practising as a fake doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area on Saturday. The action was led by the Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency as part of efforts to sanitise the health sector and protect residents from unsafe medical practices.
According to Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, Executive Chairman of the agency, the clampdown followed intelligence reports and routine compliance checks that revealed irregularities in several facilities. Suleiman said Ellamara Specialist Hospital was shut down after inspectors discovered that a suspect had been providing medical services without necessary qualifications or a valid practising licence.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who allegedly dropped out of medical school, had worked as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years. The agency noted that he was previously disengaged by a former employer over issues related to his credentials and had reportedly been arrested before in Cross River State for similar offences.
Suleiman stated that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at upholding regulatory standards and ensuring only qualified professionals operate in Niger State’s health sector. “We will not tolerate quackery or illegal medical practice that puts lives at risk,” he said during an inspection tour. The agency did not immediately disclose the names of other affected centres but assured residents that further investigations would be carried out.
The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities at any health facility and warned operators to comply strictly with registration and licensing requirements. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their probe into private healthcare operations across Suleja LGA.
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