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Lagos Receives First Batch of 270 Nigerians Repatriated from South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks

Federal government funds evacuation as Foreign Affairs Minister confirms waivers for immigration offences, pledges support for returnees

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2 months ago

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Federal government funds evacuation as Foreign Affairs Minister confirms waivers for immigration offences, pledges support for returnees

The first group of Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic violence is expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in Abuja on Tuesday that the returnees—comprising at least 270 individuals—will travel aboard an Air Peace flight departing Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night.

According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the repatriation flight was initially scheduled for Monday but shifted to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical issues. Ebienfa stated that upon arrival in Lagos, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling before being provided with assistance and reunited with their families. The federal government has fully funded the exercise and put reception measures in place.

The development comes amid rising concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa after a series of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. The evacuation exercise, which was delayed for additional screening and documentation with South African authorities, marks a significant move by Nigeria’s government to protect its citizens abroad. Over 1,000 Nigerians were reported to have participated in the screening process, though Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that this figure continues to increase.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further explained that Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria negotiated waivers with South African officials so that those with immigration-related offences could join the repatriation flights instead of facing detention. “Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” Ebienfa said in his statement.

The Ministry stated that it will continue coordination with relevant agencies to ensure smooth reintegration for all returnees. Officials confirmed that subsequent flights may be arranged as more Nigerians request evacuation from South Africa.

Source: https://punchng.com/breaking-first-batch-of-nigerians-repatriated-from-safrica-arrives-thursday/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

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1 month ago

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June 27, 2026

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One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.

According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.

Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.

SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.

The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

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1 month ago

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June 27, 2026

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Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

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1 month ago

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June 27, 2026

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Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.

Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.

Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.

As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

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