Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Welcomes 66 South Africa Returnees as Pastor Bolaji Donates ₦100,000 Each
NiDCOM, NEMA receive evacuees at Murtala Muhammed Airport after xenophobic attacks force urgent repatriation
NiDCOM, NEMA receive evacuees at Murtala Muhammed Airport after xenophobic attacks force urgent repatriation
Sixty-six Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the international wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday night following a wave of xenophobic attacks in the country. The returnees were received by officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other stakeholders.
The group, which included women and children, spent 13 days at the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa before being airlifted back to Nigeria by Chief Kunle Soname. They landed at 10:46 p.m. on June 24, where emotional scenes played out as families reunited after weeks of uncertainty.
One of the returnees, Genevieve Chibuzo, expressed relief upon arrival. “No more fear. I am free and happy to be home,” she said. Many of the returnees recounted their ordeals during the violence in South Africa, describing how businesses owned by Nigerians were targeted and destroyed amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment.
In a gesture of support, Pastor Bolaji Idowu donated ₦100,000 cash to each returnee to help them settle back into life in Nigeria. Representatives from NiDCOM and NEMA assured the evacuees that government would continue to provide assistance as they readjust. “We are working with relevant agencies to ensure your safety and reintegration,” a NiDCOM official stated during the reception.
The evacuation comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to protect its citizens abroad in response to recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Authorities have called for renewed diplomatic engagement between both countries to address underlying tensions and prevent future incidents.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Rescues 53 Civilians After Dismantling ISWAP Roadblock in Borno’s Biu LGA
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, 135 Special Forces Battalion, rescued 53 civilians on Wednesday after dismantling an ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State. The operation was conducted under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI following reports of insurgents blocking the highway.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, soldiers deployed at Dutse Kura observation post detected the illegal checkpoint through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force team responded swiftly to the scene and engaged the terrorists near Mangari–Dora, forcing them to abandon their position after a gun battle. The troops then cleared withdrawal routes and recovered eight vehicles seized by the insurgents.
The rescue comes amid persistent insecurity in North-East Nigeria, where groups like ISWAP and JAS have used road ambushes to abduct travellers and steal property. Roadblocks remain a major tactic for disrupting civilian movement and targeting commuters along key highways in conflict-affected areas such as Borno.
“The prompt action by our personnel prevented what could have been a severe hostage situation,” Captain Goni said in a press statement released by Theatre Command. He confirmed that all rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were safely escorted to Buratai town for documentation and medical checks before reuniting with their families. The command commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response.
Military authorities are urging residents across Borno and neighbouring states to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities or movements to security forces. They reiterated the importance of community support for ongoing counter-insurgency operations aimed at securing major roads and preventing further attacks by armed groups in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Three-Storey Building Collapse Claims Nine Lives in Satellite Town
Emergency agencies intensify rescue efforts as several victims remain trapped at Ori-Ade LCDA site
Emergency agencies intensify rescue efforts as several victims remain trapped at Ori-Ade LCDA site
Nine people have now been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey residential building at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop in Satellite Town, Lagos State, on Thursday. The incident, which occurred within Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), triggered a swift response from emergency agencies as at 11 a.m.
The building, occupied by numerous tenants and housing several businesses such as cyber cafés, phone repair shops, and a photo studio, caved in suddenly, trapping many occupants under the rubble. Rescue teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse to commence search-and-rescue operations. According to LSFRS officials, firefighters from Ijegun-Egba Fire Station reached the site around 11:49 a.m. and joined ongoing efforts to save trapped individuals.
Building collapses remain a recurring challenge in Lagos due to factors including poor construction practices and disregard for safety standards. Satellite Town has witnessed similar incidents in recent years, raising concerns among residents about regulatory enforcement and urban safety. Many affected families are now left seeking information on missing loved ones as rescue operations continue into the evening.
Speaking at the scene, an official of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said efforts were ongoing to locate survivors beneath the debris. “We are working closely with other agencies to ensure all those trapped are rescued or accounted for,” he stated. As at press time, authorities had not released an official figure for those still missing.
Government has appealed for calm while urging residents to cooperate with emergency responders. The incident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny on building approvals and monitoring within Lagos metropolis. Meanwhile, further investigations are underway to ascertain the immediate cause of the collapse and prevent future occurrences.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Teams, Underdogs Compete as MILO Basketball Championship Marks 26th Edition
Fresh talents from across Nigeria join established schools as iconic youth tournament celebrates another milestone year
Fresh talents from across Nigeria join established schools as iconic youth tournament celebrates another milestone year
New contenders have emerged from Lagos and other parts of the country as the MILO Basketball Championship entered its 26th year on Friday. The popular youth basketball tournament, which holds annually, continues to attract both seasoned and first-time teams eager to showcase their skills on a national platform.
The championship, widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier grassroots basketball event for secondary schools, has consistently drawn participation from a diverse range of schools. This year’s edition sees increased competition as new teams challenge established favourites, aiming for a chance to clinch the coveted trophy and gain recognition among scouts and sporting bodies.
The tournament’s longevity is seen by many sports stakeholders as evidence of its impact on youth development in Nigeria. Over the past 25 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has produced several national players and provided opportunities for young athletes to pursue careers in sports. Many participants credit the championship with helping them develop discipline and teamwork while exposing them to competitive basketball at an early stage.
As matches tip off this weekend in Lagos, organisers say they remain committed to providing a fair and exciting environment for all competitors. While official statements highlight the importance of sportsmanship, coaches and players are focused on advancing through each knockout round. With fresh talent on display and new strategies being tested, fans are expecting an unpredictable contest this season.
Winners of this year’s MILO Basketball Championship will be celebrated at a closing ceremony set for later in June. Organisers have promised enhanced support for outstanding players, with scouts and basketball officials expected to attend the finals in Lagos.
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