New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Nigeria condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa, demands AU action

    Nigeria condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa, demands AU action

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria has condemned the latest wave of xenophobic attacks on African immigrants in South Africa, describing the violence as “unacceptable and contrary to the ideals of African unity.” The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the remarks in Abuja while receiving a high‑level delegation of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council led by Ambassador Nasir Aminu and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.

    The meeting followed the Third Annual Joint Consultative Session between the AU Peace and Security Council and the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, which reviewed emerging threats across Africa. But it was the xenophobic violence in South Africa that dominated Nigeria’s diplomatic tone, with Enikanolaiye warning that the attacks on African nationals, particularly Nigerians, “strike at the heart of the African Union’s founding vision of solidarity and integration.”

    He revealed that, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, the Federal Government had organised government‑funded repatriation flights to evacuate affected Nigerians from South Africa. “Africans must feel safe anywhere on the continent,” the Minister said, urging the AU to place the issue prominently on its peace and security agenda.

    The statement marks Nigeria’s strongest diplomatic response yet to the recurring xenophobic violence that has plagued South Africa in recent years, often targeting migrants from other African countries.

    Analysts say Abuja’s intervention reflects growing frustration among African governments over what they see as insufficient continental action to protect citizens living and working across borders.

    Enikanolaiye also called for deeper cooperation among African institutions to address the continent’s widening security challenges — from terrorism and violent extremism to transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government. He stressed that sustainable peacebuilding requires stronger governance frameworks and more effective mechanisms for conflict prevention.

    Beyond the immediate crisis, the Minister linked the attacks to broader migration and integration issues. He urged African Union Member States to strengthen inclusive governance and economic development to reduce tensions and expand opportunities for their citizens. “The free movement of persons must be matched by a sense of shared security,” he said, adding that regional solidarity should not end at political declarations.

    The Abuja meeting also discussed financing for African‑led peace operations.

    Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s long‑standing position that Africa must develop predictable and innovative funding mechanisms to support its own security architecture. He warned that excessive dependence on external donors undermines African ownership of peace initiatives and cited ECOWAS’s Community Levy as a model for sustainable regional financing.

    Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, speaking for the African Union Commission, commended Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and regional integration. He reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to work closely with Member States and Regional Economic Communities to confront the continent’s growing security challenges.

    Both sides pledged continued collaboration between the AU, ECOWAS, and national governments to advance peace, democratic governance, and sustainable development across Africa. They agreed to sustain regular consultations to strengthen collective responses to emerging threats — including xenophobia, extremism, and migration‑related violence.

    The meeting concluded with a shared call for African unity in action, not just in rhetoric. As Enikanolaiye put it, “Africa’s peace and prosperity depend on how we treat one another — within our borders and beyond.”

  • JUST IN: South Africa hails peaceful anti-illegal immigration protests, vows tough action against criminals

    JUST IN: South Africa hails peaceful anti-illegal immigration protests, vows tough action against criminals

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Government has commended citizens for conducting largely peaceful demonstrations against irregular migration across several provinces, while reaffirming its commitment to tackling illegal immigration through lawful and constitutional measures.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government expressed appreciation to South Africans who exercised their constitutional right to protest peacefully and responsibly.

    It also praised community leaders, organisers, civil society groups, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law throughout the nationwide demonstrations.

    “The peaceful conduct displayed today reflects the strength of our democracy and demonstrates that South Africans can voice their concerns firmly and lawfully while respecting the rights and dignity of others,” the statement said.

    Although the protests remained largely peaceful, authorities confirmed that police responded to isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting.

    The government warned that individuals who exploited the demonstrations to commit criminal acts would face prosecution.

    “Those who chose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law. Police will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct,” it said.

    The government acknowledged that many South Africans have legitimate concerns over unemployment, irregular migration, service delivery, border security and public safety, stressing that such issues would continue to be addressed through democratic and lawful processes.

    It welcomed the rejection of violence, vigilantism, intimidation, provocation, looting and destruction of property by the overwhelming majority of protesters, noting that such acts have no place in a constitutional democracy.

    The government also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management.

    According to the statement, the five-point strategy focuses on strengthening the enforcement of immigration and labour laws, improving border security, enhancing migration management systems, addressing legislative and policy gaps, and working with other African countries to manage migration more effectively.

    The government disclosed that it has continued to intensify the deportation and repatriation of foreign nationals across affected provinces.

    It said 4,286 foreign nationals have been repatriated, while an additional 419 have been formally deported in recent days.

    Authorities reiterated that efforts to combat criminality, corruption, human trafficking, labour exploitation and other offences linked to irregular migration would continue within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.

    The government also appealed to citizens to remain calm, reject misinformation and xenophobia, and continue supporting law enforcement agencies in building safe, secure and cohesive communities.

    “We will manage migration in a manner that protects our national interest, promotes the rule of law and advances the values upon which our democracy is founded,” the statement added.

  • JUST IN: U.S. Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship

    JUST IN: U.S. Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, reaffirming that children born on American soil are entitled to U.S. citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

    The landmark ruling represents a major victory for advocates of constitutional birthright citizenship and a significant setback for the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

    The case stemmed from Executive Order 14160, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, which sought to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the country to parents who were unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States.

    The order was challenged in multiple federal courts, which blocked its implementation on the grounds that it conflicted with the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that, “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”

    In a 6-3 decision delivered on June 30, the Supreme Court upheld that constitutional guarantee.

    Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said children born to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States satisfy the constitutional requirements for citizenship at birth.

    Roberts said the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment intended to extend citizenship broadly, rejecting the administration’s narrower interpretation of the Constitution.

    Justice Samuel Alito dissented, arguing that birthright citizenship should apply only to children whose parents owe exclusive allegiance to the United States.

    President Trump has long campaigned against birthright citizenship, describing it as a policy that encourages illegal immigration and so-called “birth tourism.”

    Following the ruling, Trump criticised the decision in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the judicial system as “rigged” and pledging to continue pursuing changes to U.S. immigration policy.

    The decision preserves the long-standing constitutional interpretation established by the 1898 Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents.

    Immigration advocates welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for constitutional rights and warning that overturning birthright citizenship could have left hundreds of thousands of children without a recognised nationality.

    Legal analysts said the ruling reinforces one of the most enduring principles of American constitutional law by affirming that citizenship guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment cannot be revoked through executive action.

    The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for U.S. immigration policy and future constitutional challenges involving executive authority.

  • South African police heighten security as anti-illegal immigration protests sweep county

    South African police heighten security as anti-illegal immigration protests sweep county

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — South African police have intensified security operations across the Northern Cape Province as anti-illegal immigration protests continue in parts of the country, assuring residents that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to maintain peace and public order.

    The South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday that it had increased deployments and enhanced police visibility following largely peaceful demonstrations held across the province’s five districts.

    According to the police, officers are closely monitoring developments while working with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

    “Law enforcement agencies, including SAPS and other relevant stakeholders, remain operationally prepared and have maintained an increased presence through enhanced visibility and sustained deployments to ensure the safety and security of communities,” the statement said.

    While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, the police confirmed that several arrests had been made in connection with looting, attempted looting, business robbery, immigration-related offences and other unlawful activities recorded during the protests.

    The suspects, SAPS said, will be processed in accordance with the law and prosecuted where appropriate.

    The police reaffirmed that while South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, criminal acts committed under the guise of demonstrations would not be tolerated.

    “SAPS Northern Cape reiterates that the right to peaceful protest is protected; however, criminal conduct, including looting, damage to property and any acts that threaten the safety of communities, will not be tolerated,” the statement added.

    The police urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel and promptly report suspicious or criminal activities.

    Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster would continue high-density operations, monitor identified hotspots and coordinate deployments with other law enforcement agencies to preserve peace and stability across the province.

    The renewed security measures come as anti-illegal immigration demonstrations continue to attract thousands of protesters in several parts of South Africa, prompting heightened vigilance by security agencies.

  • BREAKING: Amnesty condemns Uganda’s media shutdown, arrest of activists

    BREAKING: Amnesty condemns Uganda’s media shutdown, arrest of activists

    KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Amnesty International has condemned the forced closure of at least six media outlets in Uganda and the arrest and detention of scores of human rights activists, calling on authorities to end what it described as a growing crackdown on freedom of expression and association.

    In a statement on Tuesday titled, “Uganda: Authorities Must Immediately End the Harassment of Activists, Allow Media to Operate Freely,” Amnesty accused Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of ordering the shutdown of media organisations and targeting government critics.

    Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said the actions represented a continuation of years of repression against independent media and civil society.

    “The president’s son continues his unchecked and unjust campaign of harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society. These latest attacks are emblematic of a years-long crackdown on freedoms of expression and association in Uganda,” Chagutah said.

    He called on the military to immediately withdraw from the affected media organisations and end all forms of intimidation, interference and repression against journalists.

    Amnesty also urged the Ugandan authorities to halt what it described as the misuse of the criminal justice system to target perceived critics of the government and to release all those arbitrarily detained.

    The organisation specifically called for the release of opposition figures Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago and veteran politician Miria Matembe.

    According to Amnesty, on the night of June 28, Gen. Kainerugaba ordered the closure of the Daily Monitor, NTV, Dembe FM, Spark TV, KFM and The East African without providing any official justification.

    The rights group also alleged that security agents raided the Kampala residence of Matembe on June 24 after she criticised the military chief over alleged human rights violations. Kainerugaba later confirmed that she had been detained.

    Amnesty further said the offices of the feminist organisation Akina Mama wa Africa (AMWA) were raided by security operatives on June 25.

    It added that AMWA Executive Director Eunice Musiime and Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, were arrested on June 28 before being released without charge.

  • Army Chief commissions 80 housing units in Jos, reserves homes for wounded soldiers

    Army Chief commissions 80 housing units in Jos, reserves homes for wounded soldiers

    JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday commissioned 80 housing units under the Nigerian Army Affordable Home Ownership Scheme in Jos, Plateau State, reaffirming his commitment to prioritising the welfare of personnel through what he described as a “Soldier-First Culture.”

    The Army Chief said providing quality and affordable housing for officers and soldiers remains a strategic investment in their welfare, morale and operational effectiveness.

    According to him, the initiative is designed to enhance combat readiness by ensuring that personnel and their families enjoy improved living conditions.

    “The welfare of our personnel and their families remains a central pillar of my command philosophy. A well-motivated and professionally fulfilled soldier is better positioned to deliver on the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.

    He disclosed that the newly inaugurated estate adds to the 60 housing units delivered last year, while another 120 units in Abuja and 40 units in Benin are scheduled for commissioning in the coming months.

    Shaibu said the projects demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to improving the living standards of its personnel across the country.

    In a move aimed at recognising the sacrifices of troops injured in the line of duty, the Army Chief announced that five per cent of all housing units under the scheme have been reserved for soldiers wounded in action.

    He described the gesture as a token of gratitude to personnel who sustained injuries while defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.

    “Our wounded-in-action personnel have made enormous sacrifices for the nation. Reserving a percentage of these housing units for them is a demonstration of our appreciation for their courage and selfless service,” he said.

    The COAS urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities, describing home ownership as a symbol of stability, responsibility and a lasting reward for dedicated military service.

    Earlier, the Managing Director of Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Isaiah Alison, commended the Army Chief for placing personnel welfare at the centre of his leadership agenda.

    He assured that additional housing projects were underway to accommodate more soldiers and improve their post-service welfare.

    During the visit to Plateau State, Shaibu also commissioned newly completed trainee hostels and convenience facilities at the 3 Division Training School, Jos.

    He said the projects reflect the Nigerian Army’s broader strategy of strengthening both personnel welfare and institutional capacity to improve operational readiness and support the achievement of national security objectives.

  • JUST IN: Lagos police arrest five suspected cultists, recover weapons, 500 SIM cards, laptops

    JUST IN: Lagos police arrest five suspected cultists, recover weapons, 500 SIM cards, laptops

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested five suspected members of the Aye Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation, recovering weapons, military camouflage, suspected hard drugs, 500 SIM cards, laptops and other incriminating items.

    The Command said the suspects were arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Ago/Festac Bridge axis of Lagos.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, operatives initially intercepted a Toyota Camry XLE saloon car occupied by Emmanuel John, 24, and David Godwin, 28.

    A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery of substances suspected to be hard drugs.

    The Police said the two suspects confessed during preliminary interrogation to being members of the Aye Confraternity.

    Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Samuel Owubokiri, 25, Adetona Seyi, 20, and David Chigozie, 25.

    The Command said all three also admitted to being members of the same cult group.

    Items recovered from the suspects include military camouflage, two machetes, one battle axe, one knife, 500 SIM cards, five mobile phones, five laptops, charms and various substances suspected to be hard drugs.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police to support crime prevention and enhance public safety.

    The Command said investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement in other criminal activities and to identify additional members of the suspected cult network before they are charged to court.

  • Nigeria, UK deepen counter-terrorism partnership with joint training initiative

    Nigeria, UK deepen counter-terrorism partnership with joint training initiative

    ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through enhanced training, intelligence analysis and coordinated incident management to tackle evolving security threats.

    The renewed partnership was underscored on Monday at the opening of the Combined Gold, Silver and Bronze Incident Commanders’ Courses and the Advanced Intelligence Analysis Course at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.

    Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the training would enhance Nigeria’s emergency preparedness, crisis response and inter-agency coordination.

    Laka said the incident command courses were designed to equip participants with strategic, operational and tactical leadership skills required for managing emergencies, major incidents and multi-agency security operations.

    According to him, the programme will strengthen decision-making, improve collaboration among security agencies and reinforce Nigeria’s national incident management framework.

    He added that the Advanced Intelligence Analysis Course would expose participants to modern intelligence-gathering methodologies and analytical techniques for collecting, integrating and disseminating intelligence to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats.

    “The knowledge acquired during the programme will strengthen national security, enhance intelligence operations, promote stability and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” Laka said.

    He commended the British High Commission for its continued technical support, provision of experienced resource persons and sustained collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

    Representing the British High Commission’s Regional Coordinator of the Joint Counter Terrorism Training and Advisory Team, Ian Tyler, Anthony Francis said the initiative reflects the enduring security partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    He explained that the four training programmes, including the newly introduced Operational Incident Command Course, were developed following consultations with Nigerian authorities to better prepare frontline commanders for complex emergencies.

    Francis noted that insecurity across the Sahel continues to increase in scale and complexity, making effective command structures, stronger national coordination and trusted international partnerships essential for regional security.

    “Terrorism, organised crime and violent extremism do not respect national borders. They require coordinated responses, shared operational understanding and stronger institutional cooperation,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts through practical training, intelligence cooperation and institutional capacity building.

    According to him, the instructors bring extensive operational experience in intelligence, policing, military operations and crisis management, including responses to major terrorist incidents in the United Kingdom and other countries.

    Francis urged participants to take full advantage of the programme by sharing experiences and applying the knowledge gained to strengthen intelligence-led operations and frontline coordination.

    He said the skills acquired would also support future national security exercises, including Exercise Rapid Response, while improving Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, respond to and recover from terrorist incidents.

    The 10-day training programme will feature lectures, simulation exercises and practical sessions, with participants expected to receive certificates upon successful completion.

  • Police launch five-day leadership programme for female officers

    Police launch five-day leadership programme for female officers

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a five-day Women Police Leadership Programme aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, promoting professional development and advancing gender-responsive policing among female officers.

    The programme, supported by the Government of Germany, is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the GS Foundation, CLEEN Foundation and the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat.

    According to the Force, in a statement signed by CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, Force Public Relations Officer, the initiative brings together female police officers drawn from commands and formations across the country to enhance their leadership competencies, strategic management skills and knowledge of contemporary policing.

    Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the opening ceremony, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, AIG Uche Ifeanyi Henry, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to continuous capacity building as a key component of ongoing police reforms.

    He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by actively engaging in the training sessions and applying the knowledge acquired to improve service delivery and strengthen leadership within the Force.

    “The Inspector-General remains committed to continuous capacity building as a cornerstone of ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force,” Henry said.

    In his keynote address, the Director-General of the National Institute of Police Studies, Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, underscored the importance of sustained leadership development for female officers.

    He described the programme as essential to enhancing professionalism, institutional effectiveness and operational excellence within the Nigeria Police Force.

    The Police said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to invest in the training and retraining of personnel, promote gender inclusion and strengthen institutional capacity.

    The Force reiterated its commitment to implementing reforms that improve professionalism and enhance policing service delivery across the country.

  • Troops repel terrorist attack on Benue market, recover arms and ammunition

    Troops repel terrorist attack on Benue market, recover arms and ammunition

    MAKURDI, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have foiled a terrorist attack at Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State, killing two suspected terrorists and recovering arms, ammunition and other items.

    The Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out on Sunday in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard following a distress call while troops were conducting fighting and confidence-building patrols.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Lieutenant Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the troops responded swiftly to the incident and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

    The Army said two suspected terrorists, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralised during the encounter.

    Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, an ATM card, a Moniepoint ATM card and other sundry items.

    The military said the successful operation ensured the continued safety of traders and residents, allowing commercial activities at the Tor Donga Yam Market to continue without disruption.

    Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response, describing the operation as one that prevented what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disruption of economic activities.

    He also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its collaboration with the military in ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

    Major General Gara expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies.

    He stressed that maintaining security remains a collective responsibility and called on citizens to continue supporting ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across Benue State.