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First Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks to Arrive Lagos Thursday

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First Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks to Arrive Lagos Thursday

By: Michael Mike

The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive in Lagos early Thursday as the Federal Government moves to bring home citizens affected by the violence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that the returnees will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace aircraft specially designated for the evacuation exercise.

According to the ministry, the flight is scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m., marking the beginning of what could become a broader repatriation effort should more Nigerians seek to return home.

The government said it has fully funded the evacuation, ensuring that all affected Nigerians are transported back to the country free of charge.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said necessary arrangements have been concluded to receive the evacuees and provide immediate support upon arrival.

He explained that officials from relevant government agencies will undertake documentation and profiling procedures before the returnees are reunited with their families and provided with appropriate assistance.

The arrival of the first batch comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Although South Africa remains home to thousands of Nigerians engaged in business, professional careers and other economic activities, periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence have continued to threaten the security and livelihoods of migrant communities.

Over the years, attacks blamed on xenophobic sentiments have led to deaths, injuries and destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians. Similar incidents in 2019 triggered a large-scale evacuation programme by the Nigerian government after widespread violence erupted in parts of South Africa.

The latest evacuation underscores Abuja’s determination to protect its citizens abroad while responding swiftly to emerging threats to their safety.

Officials said agencies responsible for migration, emergency management and social welfare have been mobilised to ensure a seamless reception process for the returnees when they touch down in Lagos on Thursday morning.

The government has also assured Nigerians in South Africa that it remains in close contact with relevant authorities and will continue to monitor developments as efforts intensify to guarantee the safety and welfare of citizens affected by the unrest.

For many of the evacuees expected on the inaugural flight, Thursday’s arrival will bring an end to days of uncertainty and anxiety, while reopening questions about the recurring cycle of xenophobic violence that has periodically strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies.

First Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks to Arrive Lagos Thursday

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Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned

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Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing offensive operations against armed criminal networks in Plateau State, neutralising two notorious terrorist leaders, critically wounding another and recovering six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.

The latest developments followed sustained military offensives at Dajin Madam in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on November 8, 2026.

Security sources disclosed that HUMINT reports received at about 8:53 a.m. on November 9 indicated that the intensity of the military operation had resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorist leaders identified as Haruna Balatoni and Black.

Another notorious figure, identified as Dogo Mai Kunkuru, was reportedly shot in the chest and left in a critical condition, with sources indicating that his chances of survival were slim.

In a significant development on November 10, the sustained military pressure reportedly compelled the terrorist network, through an intermediary identified as Ali-Kwara, to return six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.

The recovered weapons are currently in military custody.
In a related operation, troops of 173 Battalion deployed at Mansur rescued a kidnapped mother and her daughter and recovered 39 cattle.

The developments represent a significant disruption of the criminal network’s leadership, weapons stockpile and capacity to sustain operations in the Wase axis.
The recovery of the six rifles is particularly important as it restores weapons previously lost to the criminal network and provides an opportunity for further intelligence exploitation.

The latest successes underscore the impact of sustained offensive pressure, intelligence-driven operations and military presence in dismantling armed groups operating across Plateau State.

The reported deaths of the terrorist leaders and the condition of Dogo Mai Kunkuru are based on preliminary HUMINT assessments and remain subject to independent military confirmation

Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned

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Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles

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Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 114 Battalion (Reinforcement) have dislodged suspected terrorists from their hideouts during a fighting patrol in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation, conducted under Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), commenced at about 7:30 a.m. on November 8, 2026, with troops advancing towards Komodoro village, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.

Security sources said the criminals fled upon sighting the advancing troops, prompting the patrol team to extend its operation to Mashigin Kirya village within the same local government area.

At Mashigin Kirya, the troops encountered suspected terrorists believed to have been hibernating in the general area and engaged them, forcing the armed elements to retreat.
The troops subsequently recovered five motorcycles suspected to have been used by the criminal group for mobility and logistics.

To further disrupt the fleeing terrorists, the troops conducted a fire mission using an 81mm mortar along their withdrawal route.
The operation was ongoing as troops sustained pressure on suspected criminal hideouts and movement corridors in the area.

The development point to the military’s determination to deny armed groups safe havens and restrict their freedom of movement across Taraba State.

Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles

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Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation

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Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), have launched an investigation into an attack on Fulani herdsmen in Obelagu Umuamba community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, which left two herders and 16 cattle dead.

The incident came to light at about 11:00 a.m. on November 10, 2026, when a joint patrol team comprising troops of the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Reinforcement), alongside police and DSS operatives, visited the community to assess the cause and extent of damage from the recent attack by suspected hoodlums.

On arrival, the security team discovered that two Fulani herdsmen and 16 cows had been killed, while two other persons sustained injuries.

Following the discovery, the troops convened a joint peace and security meeting involving community leaders, representatives of the Fulani herders, neighbourhood watch groups and other key stakeholders.

During the meeting, security officials cautioned all parties against taking the law into their hands, warning that reprisals could escalate tensions and further threaten peaceful coexistence.

The troops subsequently recovered the corpses and handed them over to the police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, including suspected local collaborators.

The intervention is aimed at preventing retaliatory violence, restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

Authorities have urged both farming and herding communities to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and pursue grievances through lawful channels.

Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation

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