In a collaborative effort between the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), at least 170 Nigerians, including women and children, have been repatriated from Libya.

The repatriation was carried out through the Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, according to humanitarian sources.

A statement released late Tuesday by Migrant Rescue Watch, a humanitarian monitoring group, confirmed the development.

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The organization disclosed that an additional 11 undocumented Nigerians were transferred from the East Tripoli Immigration Detention Center to the Deportation Office in Tripoli.

These individuals are slated to be repatriated via a Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) flight facilitated by the IOM.

The statement read,”DCIM repatriated with IOM support carrying 170 #migrants including women & children of Nigerian nationality via Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli.

“DCIM transferred from East Tripoli Immigration Detention Center to Deportation Office in Tripoli 11 undocumented #migrants of Nigerian nationality who are scheduled for repatriation on VHR flight.”

Libya has become a significant transit point for African migrants seeking to cross into Europe via dangerous sea routes.

However, many migrants face grave challenges, including exploitation, detention, and abuse, highlighting the critical need for humanitarian interventions like the VHR program.

Nine people were abducted by gunmen in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area late Tuesday night, in yet another wave of violent attacks that have left residents in fear.

Among the victims is Hon. Alaba Ope, the newly elected councillor representing Odo-Ape Ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday, firing shots into the air to create panic before seizing their victims.

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Seven of those abducted are residents of the community, including five Gwaris and two Bassas, while another victim, identified as Silas, was taken from Agbadu, a neighboring village.

This latest incident comes just a week after three individuals, including an eight-year-old boy, were kidnapped from the same community.

A resident, who spoke under anonymity, described the growing anxiety in Odo-Ape: “We don’t know who will be next. The situation is becoming unbearable. We urgently need help.”

The source further revealed that Odo-Ape has become a hotbed of insecurity in recent weeks, with multiple kidnappings reported in quick succession.

“Only the councillor is an indigene of this community. The rest are residents just trying to live their lives peacefully,” the source added.

Odo-Ape and surrounding areas have seen a spike in kidnapping cases. Just last week, three individuals, including the eight-year-old boy, were taken and remain in captivity.

In a separate incident, two brothers were abducted on family property in Aluju, Kakun, adding to the community’s growing security concerns.

Community leaders have called on the Kogi State government and security agencies to intervene urgently.

Many residents have expressed frustration at the lack of adequate protection and fear that the abductions could spiral further.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, has yet to issue an official statement.

However, a senior security official confirmed the attack and assured that security agencies are working to secure the release of the abducted individuals.

“The state security apparatus is fully engaged, and we are working diligently to secure the victims’ release. We urge residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities,” the official said.

The recent spate of kidnappings in Kabba/Bunu LGA highlights the broader insecurity challenges facing the region. Residents are now living in fear, uncertain of when the next attack might occur.

Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has declared victory in last week’s tightly contested election, ushering in Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president.

The announcement marks a historic moment for the southern African nation but comes amid allegations of irregularities that have cast a shadow over the results.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) confirmed that Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 57% of the vote, defeating Panduleni Itula of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who received 25.5%.

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However, the IPC has rejected the results, citing widespread failures in the electoral process.

“The IPC shall not recognise the outcome of that election,” said Itula, accusing the electoral commission of mismanagement. He pointed to what he described as a “multitude of irregularities” and vowed to challenge the results through Namibia’s legal system.

Addressing supporters last week, Itula called for calm while urging them to “stand firm to ensure that we shall not be robbed [or] denied our democratic right to choose our leaders.”

IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge reiterated the party’s stance after the results were announced, maintaining that the election lacked credibility.

The election, originally scheduled for November 27, was extended to November 30 due to logistical challenges, including a shortage of ballot papers and malfunctioning electronic voter registration devices.

Many voters reportedly waited up to 12 hours, with some leaving polling stations without casting their ballots.

An organization of southern African human rights lawyers monitoring the polls described the delays as “intentional and widespread.”

The IPC similarly alleged that the logistical issues were a deliberate effort to suppress voter turnout.

The ECN acknowledged the failures, with its chairperson, Elsie Nghikembua, calling for unity. “Elections are competitive by nature, but democracy calls upon us to unite once the votes have been counted.

“I urge all Namibians to embrace the results with the spirit of unity, diversity, understanding, and reconciliation,” she said.

The election was seen as a critical test for SWAPO, which has governed Namibia since independence in 1990.

The party’s support has waned in recent years, particularly among younger voters frustrated by high unemployment and economic inequality.

Unemployment among Namibians aged 15 to 34 is estimated at 46%, nearly triple the national average.

While SWAPO retained its majority in the National Assembly with 51 seats, this marked a significant drop from its previous 63 seats. The IPC secured 20 seats, solidifying its role as the main opposition party.

At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes one of the few female leaders on the African continent.

Known for her steady demeanor and often seen wearing the red, blue, and green colors of SWAPO, she campaigned on a platform of economic diplomacy and job creation.

“Fellow Namibians, we must work together to address unemployment, inequality, and infrastructure development,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said after the results were announced.

As the daughter of an Anglican pastor, she has long been a prominent figure in Namibian politics, serving as vice president since February and as a trusted stalwart within SWAPO.

Despite being a major exporter of uranium and diamonds, Namibia faces significant economic challenges.

Analysts say much of the country’s wealth has not translated into improved infrastructure or job opportunities for its nearly three million citizens.