Nigeria News (Standard)
258 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive Lagos Amid Xenophobia Fears
Returnees land at Murtala Muhammed Airport as federal government pledges support, following renewed attacks on foreigners
Returnees land at Murtala Muhammed Airport as federal government pledges support, following renewed attacks on foreigners
A total of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa touched down at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday, following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country. The returnees arrived as part of an emergency repatriation exercise coordinated by federal authorities in response to growing safety concerns for Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
According to officials involved in the operation, the evacuation was carried out after several reports of violence and harassment against Nigerians and other African migrants in major South African cities. The repatriated citizens were received by immigration and health officials on arrival, who conducted routine screening before facilitating their onward movement to temporary shelters arranged by government agencies.
Xenophobic incidents have persisted over the years in South Africa, with Nigerians among those frequently affected by targeted attacks. The latest evacuation comes as Nigerian authorities face mounting pressure to protect their nationals abroad and strengthen diplomatic engagement with the South African government. Families and advocacy groups had earlier called for urgent action, citing rising insecurity for Nigerians living in Johannesburg and other urban centres.
Officials said the government would provide immediate support to the returnees, including accommodation and counselling services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also reiterated its commitment to securing the welfare of Nigerians in diaspora. “We are working closely with our South African counterparts to ensure safety of all our citizens,” a representative stated during the reception ceremony.
Further evacuations may be considered if violence persists, government sources indicated, while urging South Africans and Nigerians alike to foster peaceful coexistence. Diplomatic discussions between both countries are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
XENOPHOBIA: Returnees receive N100,000 from MTN, N1m from Imo Govt
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.
According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.
The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.
Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Returnee Narrates Trauma as Xenophobic Attacks Trigger Mass Evacuations from South Africa
Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest
Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest
A Nigerian returnee from Lagos State has described harrowing experiences during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, following the federal government’s renewed evacuation exercise on Thursday. The incident, which unfolded in Johannesburg and other cities, prompted Nigerian authorities to accelerate efforts to bring affected citizens home safely.
According to the returnee, who arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport alongside dozens of compatriots, many Nigerians were targeted in their homes and businesses, suffering physical assault and loss of property. The returnee detailed how attackers stormed residential areas, looting shops and setting buildings ablaze, leaving several families stranded with nowhere to turn.
The latest xenophobic violence has heightened concerns among Nigerians both at home and abroad, given the recurring pattern of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. In response, government said it remains committed to protecting its citizens wherever they reside. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 300 Nigerians had signalled interest in voluntary evacuation since the unrest escalated last week.
An official statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to ensure orderly repatriation. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged government to provide psychological support for returnees dealing with trauma. “We urge authorities to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected,” one advocacy group stated.
As more flights are scheduled to bring additional evacuees home in coming days, stakeholders are calling for long-term diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to address the root causes of xenophobia. Experts say economic hardship and rising unemployment in host communities continue to fuel tensions against migrants.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Arraigns Three in Lagos Over Alleged ₦10 Billion Bank Fraud Attempt
Anti-graft agency charges suspects before Federal High Court; judge orders remand pending bail application hearing
Anti-graft agency charges suspects before Federal High Court; judge orders remand pending bail application hearing
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned three individuals before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly attempting to defraud a commercial bank of ₦10 billion. The arraignment, which took place on 11 June, saw the suspects brought before Justice A.O. Faji on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy and attempted fraud.
According to the EFCC, the accused persons were apprehended after they allegedly conspired to carry out a fraudulent transfer of ₦10 billion from a bank account belonging to a commercial institution. The anti-graft agency said its investigation led to the arrest of the suspects before any money was withdrawn, averting what could have been a significant financial loss.
The case underscores persistent concerns about large-scale financial crimes targeting Nigeria’s banking sector. In recent years, security agencies have reported an uptick in sophisticated attempts to breach banking systems, prompting renewed calls for strengthened internal controls and vigilance by financial institutions.
At the court session, EFCC counsel presented the charges against the defendants while urging the court to remand them in custody pending trial. Justice Faji granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that the accused be held at a correctional centre until their bail applications are heard. Attempts to reach defence counsel for comment were not successful as at press time.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on bail, with EFCC officials reiterating their commitment to tackling financial crime across all sectors. The outcome of this case is expected to serve as a benchmark for similar prosecutions amid ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s banking system.
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