🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Final group of 40 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa, bringing total to 1,174
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The last group of 40 stranded Nigerians from South Africa arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday night, completing the sixth phase of the Federal Government's evacuation exercise. This brings the total number of returnees to 1,174. The latest arrivals were on a chartered Air Peace flight, following previous flights that brought back 258, 266, 262, 282, and 66 Nigerians. The returnees expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving their evacuation, and also thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their assistance. Financial and empowerment support was provided, including ₦1m each for returnees from Imo State via Governor Hope Uzodimma, free SIM packs with ₦50,000 data from MTN, and a pledge of ₦100,000 to all returnees' bank accounts. Officials from Edo and Delta State governments also announced support packages. The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment for 50 female returnees, and Apostle Dr Chibuzor Gift Chinwe of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide provided free accommodation for 52 returnees, skills acquisition, and free education for their children. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church donated ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees, and Cruxstone offered financial support to the first group of evacuees. Officials from various a
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Must ReadNigeria's Flamingos secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup by defeating Benin's Amazons 5-3 in Lomé, achieving an 8-5 aggregate victory. Coach Akeem Busari's team built on their 3-2 first-leg win in Ikenne with another strong offensive performance. Mary Dustan opened the scoring for Nigeria in the sixth minute, but Benin quickly equalized. Ester Stephen then put the Flamingos back in front in the 15th minute, followed by Queen Joseph extending the lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute. Benin managed to score twice to narrow the gap, but Nigeria added two more goals to seal the 5-3 win. The aggregate triumph highlighted Nigeria's attacking prowess, with eight goals scored across both qualifying matches. Coach Busari praised his players' determination and attacking spirit, stating they showed resilience and deserved the qualification. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from October 17 to November 7.
Five people, including four children, died in Ikot Anwatim Community, Calabar Municipality, Cross River, following landslides caused by 48 hours of heavy rainfall. The landslides also destroyed two houses and injured two residents, according to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency CR-SEMA. CR-SEMA Director-General, Mr Efa Nyong, led an assessment team to the affected community, conveying the Cross River Government’s condolences and assuring victims of support through humanitarian interventions. Nyong emphasized the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters and urged residents in prone areas to report land cracks and obey evacuation directives. The assessment team recommended immediate humanitarian assistance, sustained medical care for the injured, a comprehensive geotechnical assessment, and intensified public sensitization on landslide risks, including potential relocation for those in high-risk areas. An affected resident, Mr Bassey Patrick, commended the prompt response and appealed for urgent emergency assistance for the bereaved and displaced families.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, have praised President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, and local hunters for the rescue of over 40 kidnapped victims in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims, abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, on May 15, 2026, were released on July 10, 2026, after 56 days in captivity. Olubadan Ladoja stated that the rescue demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to security and urged the government to secure communities bordering the National Park and rehabilitate the victims. He also thanked Governor Engr Seyi Makinde and security operatives. Alaafin Owoade similarly lauded Tinubu and Makinde for their efforts, commending security agencies for their dedication. He emphasized that national security relies on trust and public confidence, which are built through accuracy, consistency, and transparency.