NEWS
‘Not Off the Table’ — FG Threatens Retaliation Against South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
The Federal Government has warned that retaliatory measures against South African interests in Nigeria remain under consideration following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, expressed the government’s frustration on Monday, accusing South African authorities of failing to adequately protect Nigerians from harassment, intimidation, and attacks.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja, Ojukwu rejected claims that most Nigerians affected by the violence were undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them are law-abiding residents engaged in legitimate businesses.
“To say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue,” she said.
The minister noted that Nigerians were unhappy with the treatment being meted out to them despite Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
SEE ALSO: Atiku Knocks FG’s ‘Sluggish’ Handling of South Africa Xenophobic Violence
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to aid South Africa. My generation demonstrated and protested in support of South Africa. Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated,” Ojukwu stated.
When asked whether Nigeria could impose restrictions on South Africans living or doing business in the country, the minister said such measures had not been ruled out.
“That is a situation we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it is not off the table,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has activated a crisis response mechanism through the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg to assist citizens affected by the attacks.
Ojukwu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home.
According to her, the number of citizens seeking repatriation continues to rise as the situation worsens in parts of South Africa.
She explained that both Nigerian and South African authorities were carrying out screening and documentation processes to facilitate the return of affected citizens.
The minister also assured that returnees would receive support upon arrival in Nigeria through collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other government agencies.
In a related development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the postponement of the planned evacuation of 270 Nigerians from South Africa, citing unforeseen logistical challenges.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the flight, originally scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Monday, had been rescheduled for Wednesday to allow authorities complete necessary arrangements.
Ebienfa disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had already been screened and cleared for possible evacuation.
He also clarified that, unlike previous evacuation exercises, the Federal Government would fully fund the operation and would not depend on donations from private individuals.
“The Nigerian government will not wait for philanthropists to donate their planes before doing what it is supposed to do and evacuate its citizens facing trouble anywhere in the world,” he said.
The latest developments came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the growing anti-migrant tensions, condemning attacks on foreign nationals while promising stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Ramaphosa urged citizens to reject violence and resolve concerns through lawful means.
“We must end illegal migration and secure our communities. However, we must overcome these challenges through peace and love, not through fear, anger or violence,” he said.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring the safe return of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
NEWS
Tinubu Hails EFCC as FBI Commends Nigeria Over International Child Sextortion Crackdown
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following recognition by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of Nigeria’s role in an international operation targeting sextortion networks exploiting minors.
The commendation followed a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, acknowledging the Commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday.
ALSO READ: ADC Accuses Tinubu of Using N50,000 Cash Relief to Woo Voters Ahead of 2027
The operation resulted in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Both suspects are facing federal charges in the United States.
In his letter, Patel credited the EFCC’s cooperation for the successful outcome of the investigation.
“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” the FBI Director wrote.
Reacting to the recognition, President Tinubu described the commendation as evidence of Nigeria’s progress in tackling financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
The President praised the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and commitment, stressing that Nigeria must not become a safe haven for individuals involved in criminal activities.
“This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and dedication,” Tinubu said.
He added: “Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law.”
The President’s commendation comes amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its financial crime prevention framework.
Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026.
Tinubu said the developments demonstrate his administration’s commitment to improving financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a secure environment for legitimate businesses and investments.
“Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive, and criminals are held accountable,” the President stated.
He also urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and strengthening the country’s relationship with international partners.
NEWS
FRSC Begins Five-Day Nationwide Crackdown on Fake, Obsolete Number Plates
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to begin a five-day nationwide enforcement operation targeting motorists using fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates.
The operation, code-named Operation Guduma Phase Two, will run from Monday, November 2, to Friday, November 6, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and address security concerns linked to fraudulent vehicle registration plates.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on October 31, 2026, by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, at the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja.
SEE ALSO: FRSC Warns Drivers After Brake Failure Kills Two in Kano Crash
The exercise, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, will be conducted across selected states, with designated senior officers assigned to coordinate and supervise the operation.
The renewed crackdown follows the first phase of Operation Guduma conducted in May 2026, during which the FRSC recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states.
According to the Corps, 1,003 motorists were arrested for various number plate-related offences, while 683 were apprehended for overloading and mixed-loading. Five others were arrested for using fake diplomatic number plates.
The FRSC said the second phase was prompted by growing concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the increasing use of fake, covered, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic number plates.
It warned that vehicles operating with fraudulent or unidentifiable registration plates could allow criminal elements to evade identification, undermine security surveillance and frustrate investigations.
Beyond the enforcement of vehicle registration regulations, the operation will also focus on maintaining free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions and the prompt clearance of road obstructions.
Speaking ahead of the exercise, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed warned that the use of fake, concealed, defaced or obsolete number plates would no longer be treated as a minor traffic offence because of its implications for public safety and national security.
He urged motorists to ensure their vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed, while calling on members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel during the operation.
Mohammed also directed officers participating in the exercise to discharge their duties professionally, maintain discipline and respect the rights of citizens.
He particularly emphasised that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with appropriate courtesy and in accordance with applicable diplomatic protocols.
NEWS
Keyamo Rolls Out Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series Ahead Of 2027 Re-election Campaign
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has rolled out a short television campaign series titled Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series to showcase the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the aviation sector ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The initiative marks one of the first campaign communication interventions by Keyamo following his appointment as Director of the Directorate of Air Transport Mobilisation under the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC).
The directorate is responsible for coordinating and facilitating air transportation for authorised campaign activities in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
SEE ALSO: Tinubu Sends Six NMDPRA Executive Director Nominees to Senate, Retains Three
Demonstrating his commitment to the new assignment, Keyamo swiftly mobilised his team to produce a 30-second television campaign material highlighting the administration’s achievements in the aviation sector.
The campaign material, which has been fully paid for, is scheduled to commence airing on November 1, 2026, across major television stations. The broadcasts are expected to continue until a few days before the presidential election.
According to a press release issued on Saturday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, the Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series is designed to present a concise, compelling and accessible account of the transformation of the aviation sector under the Tinubu administration.
Through the short-format television production, the campaign seeks to bring the government’s aviation record directly to the voting public, highlighting the sector’s progress and its contribution to national development.
The statement noted that aviation serves as a critical driver of economic growth, tourism, trade, investment and international connectivity.
It added that the series is intended to draw attention to the sector’s role in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and encourage an informed public assessment of the administration’s performance.





