The nationwide protests followed an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by citizen led groups, calling on undocumented migrants to leave the country. Security operatives were deployed to maintain order, with isolated clashes, stone-throwing and looting reported in parts of Johannesburg. Authorities also deployed soldiers in Johannesburg and Durban, while several people were arrested for criminal activities linked to the protests.

In Johannesburg, protesters carrying sticks and flags marched through the city centre as many businesses remained closed and public transport services were disrupted. In Durban, demonstrators dressed in traditional Zulu attire, carrying shields, spears and whips, also took to the streets.

Some protesters accused undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. They urged the government to strengthen immigration enforcement and deport those residing in the country illegally.

The demonstrations come as South Africa continues to grapple with high unemployment, rising crime and economic challenges, with analysts warning that migrants are increasingly being blamed for broader governance and economic problems.

Police said at least four foreign nationals including citizens of Mozambique, Ethiopia and Malawi—have died since the protests began. Another foreign national reportedly died in Durban after allegedly jumping from the eighth floor of a building while attempting to flee.

Several African countries, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have begun voluntary repatriation efforts for their citizens. South African authorities said more than 25,000 people have been processed for departure in recent weeks, with thousands already repatriated or deported.

Meanwhile, hundreds of migrants remain at temporary centres awaiting transport back to their home countries, with many saying they fear for their safety following threats, evictions and job losses.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced tougher measures to combat illegal immigration, including tighter border controls and increased inspections, as the government seeks to address growing public concerns over undocumented migration.

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Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the Good Governance Summit 2026 organised by Working People United (WoPU) in Abuja.

According to him, the Tinubu administration remains committed to ensuring that workers earn wages that keep pace with changing economic conditions.

Gbajabiamila recalled that President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage into law in July 2024, more than doubling the previous N30,000 wage. He noted that the administration also reduced the statutory wage review period from five years to three years to enable more frequent adjustments.

“The N70,000 wage, which was a milestone in 2024, must be honestly reassessed against today’s realities. I can confirm that when the time comes to begin the process of reviewing the national minimum wage, this administration will approach that endeavour not as an adversary of labour, but as a partner,” he said.

He urged organised labour to sustain constructive engagement with the government, stressing that collaboration would produce better outcomes for workers while supporting national economic growth.

Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said the success of governance should be measured by its impact on the welfare of workers.

According to him, government policies must translate into improved living standards, decent jobs, enhanced productivity, stronger social protection and expanded economic opportunities for Nigerians.

“Governance is not merely about policies written in documents or programmes announced from government offices. The true measure of governance is the extent to which policies translate into improved livelihoods, decent work, increased productivity, social protection, economic opportunities and dignity for the working people,” the minister said.

Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address, Tinubu said while the heroes of the June 12 struggle secured political freedom for Nigerians, the responsibility of the present generation is to deliver prosperity and economic opportunity.

“June 12, 1993 revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” the President said.

Tinubu defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at stabilising the nation’s finances and laying the foundation for long-term growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s public finances were under severe strain before the reforms were implemented. He noted that since 2023, government revenues have increased, fiscal leakages have been reduced, and investor confidence has improved across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, and the creative industry.

The President outlined several initiatives designed to improve electricity supply and ensure that citizens benefit directly from democratic governance.

Among the measures highlighted were the signing of the Electricity Act, which grants states greater control over power generation and distribution, the approval of a ₦4 trillion bond to clear legacy debts in the power sector, and the expansion of off grid electricity projects to universities, hospitals, and markets through the Rural Electrification Agency.

On agriculture and economic development, Tinubu announced plans to deploy 10,000 tractors over the next five years through the National Agricultural Development Fund to boost food production and mechanised farming.

He also revealed that more than 1,000 small and medium sized enterprises have been certified for export, while non-oil exports recorded a 21 per cent increase in the past year.

In a symbolic move to honour Nigeria’s democratic history, the President announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

Tinubu further unveiled national honors for prodemocracy activists, journalists, and military officers who endured persecution, imprisonment, and exile during Nigeria’s struggle for democratic rule.

The President urged Nigerians to remain united and focused on national development, emphasizing that the current generation has a duty to build a prosperous nation for future generations.

“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy, and our generation must secure prosperity,” he said.

He called on citizens to reject division and pessimism, expressing confidence in a future where justice, liberty, and economic opportunity are available to all Nigerians.

The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba has urged the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan not to join the 2027 race, warning that a return to partisan politics could diminish the statesmanlike reputation and good name he currently enjoys across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

He made this statement in Abuja while delivering his address to the first session of the thirteenth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja. He said Jonathan had already secured a place in history as a symbol of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership, particularly following his widely commended concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election.

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be. We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS and Africa. You are a symbol that should stand, you are a hope for our generation; that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us”.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Jonathan called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

According to him, many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when tragic incidents provoked national outrage and collective grief.
He said, “As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.”

The former President emphasised that the Church remains crucial in shaping society and upholding moral standards, urging religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness.

He also warned about the growing influence of negative values through technology and modern information systems, saying many harmful behaviours are now glorified in society.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn,” he added.

“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan said.

The Church, through the Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese prayed for the former president using him as a point of contact to other leaders of the nation.

The sanctions was detailed in a 3,000-page document released on February 10 by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
According to the documents, more than 20 Nigerians and organisations were listed under various sanctions programmes, including terrorism- related and cybercrime regulations.

The sanction means all property and interests of these individuals and entities within US jurisdiction are blocked under Executive Order 13224, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Nigerians Currently Sanctioned by the US
Khalid al‑Barnawi


Also known as: AL-BARNAWI, Khaled; BARNAWI, Khalid; EL-BARNAOUI, Khaled; HAFSAT, Abu; USMAN, Mohammed
Date of birth: 1976
Place of birth: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Offence/Program: Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) — linked to Boko Haram/terrorism
Abubakar Shekau


Also known as: BIN MOHAMMED, Abu Mohammed Abubakar; BI MUHAMMED, Abu Muhammed Abubakar; SHEHU; SHAYKU; SHEKAU
Date of birth: 1969
Place of birth: Shekau Village, Yobe State, Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — leader associated with Boko Haram
Abu Musab al‑Barnawi

Also known as: YUSUF, Habib
Date of birth: 1991 (multiple alternate DOBs listed by OFAC)
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — Boko Haram affiliate/leader
Abu Bakr al‑Mainuki


Also known as: AL-MINUKI, Abu-Bilal; MAINOK, Abor; MAINOK, Abubakar
Date of birth: 1982
Place of birth: Mainok, Benisheikh, Borno State, Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to ISIL
Salihu Yusuf Adamu


Also known as: ADAMU, Salih Yusuf
Date of birth: 23 Aug 1990
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Surajo Abubakar Muhammad


Also known as: MUHAMMAD, Surajo Abu Bakr
Date of birth: 3 Jul 1979
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to ISIL

Salihu Yusuf Adamu


Also known as: ADAMU, Salih Yusuf
Date of birth: 23 Aug 1990
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram
Surajo Abubakar Muhammad


Also known as: MUHAMMAD, Surajo Abu Bakr
Date of birth: 3 Jul 1979
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Abdurrahman Ado Musa


Also known as: MUSA, Abdurrahman Ado
Date of birth: 23 Apr 1984
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram
Bashir Ali Yusuf
Date of birth: 7 Aug 1984
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan
Date of birth: 31 Jan 1981
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Nnamdi Orson Benson


Date of birth: 21 Mar 1987
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Abiola Ayorinde Kayode

Date of birth: 14 Nov 1987
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin


Date of birth: 23 Feb 1983
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Felix Osilama Okpoh


Date of birth: 9 Mar 1989
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Micheal Olorunyomi


Date of birth: 12 May 1983
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh


Date of birth: 29 Apr 1986
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Ali Abbas Usman Jega


Also known as: JEGA, Ali Abbas Usman; HASSAN, Ali Abbas Othman; JEGA, Abbas
Date of birth: 1965
Address: Abuja, Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT
Abeni O. Ogungbuyi


Also known as: BABESTAN, Abeni O.; SHOFESO, Olatutu Temitope
Date of birth: 30 Jun 1952
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDNTK
Organisations Currently Sanctioned by the US (Nigeria-Based)
Boko Haram


Also known as: JAMA’ATU AHLIS-SUNNAH LIDDA’AWATI WAL-JIHAD; Nigerian Taliban
Offence/Program: Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and SDGT — terrorism
Ansaru
Also known as: ANSARUL MUSLIMINA FI BILADIS SUDAN; Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa
Offence/Program: FTO and SDGT — terrorism

Amigo Supermarket Limited, Kafak Enterprises Limited, Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort LtdProgram: SDGT — linked to individuals designated by OFAC

Organisations with alleged Nigerian affiliations:

Aurum Ship Management FZC
Program: SDGT — linked to designated individuals

ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA)
Program: FTO and SDGT — terrorism

Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L.
Program: SDGT — linked to Hizballah

According to OFAC, the list serves as a reference tool, providing notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals, whose property and interests are blocked as part of its counter-terrorism efforts.
“This publication of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC, is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC,” the agency said.
The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list underscores Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats.
The pronouncement comes on the heels of recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria; and Miyetti Allah Kautal were recommended by United States lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes.
In October 2025, for the second time, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to the Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list for religious freedom, alleging persecution of Christians by Muslims. Nigeria was first designated in 2020 under Trump but was removed by President Joe Biden shortly after assuming office.

Source: Punch

Delivering his Bishop’s Charge at the Second Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Emevor, Isoko North LGA, the bishop lamented that insecurity in the country has become so rampant that even children can now speak about it casually—likening it to a nursery rhyme.

“The more we talk about insecurity, the worse it seems to get,” he said. “It’s tempting to think the situation has overwhelmed our security agencies. If not, then we urge all relevant authorities to demonstrate the political will and courage needed to defeat this monster.”

Bishop Aruakpor highlighted that persistent attacks by criminals have left many farmers too afraid to return to their fields, leading to a national food crisis. He decried the continued killings, maiming, rapes, and forced displacement of citizens from their ancestral lands.

Turning to the issue of flooding, the bishop called on the Federal Government to seek lasting solutions to the recurring disaster. He suggested that dredging the Rivers Niger and Benue could help mitigate the effects of seasonal floods.

“With the rains approaching, fear is mounting among coastal communities, particularly in the Niger Delta. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mokwa, Niger State, who recently suffered the devastating impact of flooding,” he added.

He also urged the government to find a way to regulate the release of water from dams, which often contributes to annual flooding and significant losses in affected areas.

On a positive note, Bishop Aruakpor congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on his second anniversary in office. He praised the administration for its achievements within a short time, particularly the reduction in the state’s debt profile and progress on major projects like the Ughelli-Asaba road dualisation, the School of Health Technology in Ovrode, the College of Medical Sciences in Ozoro, and the ongoing transformation of Warri and its environs.

“We commend your efforts in ensuring quality job delivery through direct supervision and your hands-on approach to governance,” the bishop noted.

Governor Mbah exercised this power under Section 212 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to grant the pardon.

The decision was based on recommendations from the Enugu State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which comprises representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).

The inmates were formally handed over to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh.

Those who benefited from the pardon are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

According to the government, these individuals demonstrated positive behavioral changes and acquired new skills while incarcerated, making them ready to reintegrate and contribute to society. The release is intended to support their full reintegration and ease the burden on the prison system.

According to a statement from the Governor’s Office released on Sunday, June 22, 2025, the suspension is a direct consequence of the EFCC’s investigation and the gravity of the accusations. The anti-graft agency confirmed that Aondona was apprehended in Makurdi after several female students lodged formal complaints.

The petitioners accused the adviser of luring them with promises of ushering jobs, only to demand sexual favours in return. It was further alleged that he secretly recorded explicit encounters and used the footage to threaten and intimidate the victims.

The statement from the governor emphasized that Aondona must now face the legal process, adding that the administration will not shield any official involved in criminal or unethical behaviour.

“This decision reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service,” the statement noted. “Any official found guilty of misconduct will face the full weight of the law.”

Governor Alia also reaffirmed that justice would be pursued without interference, stressing that any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the image of the government will not be tolerated.

The state government further reiterated its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups. “The Government of Benue State remains committed to working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and victims are protected,” the statement added.

The EFCC has confirmed that Aondona will be formally charged in court soon.

During a stakeholder meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on Wednesday, the paramount ruler condemned what he called a “misinformation-driven narrative” that has led to flawed interpretations of the conflict.

“Your Excellency, what we are facing is not herders-farmers clashes, not communal fights, not reprisals. These are misleading terms that downplay the real threat,” Ayatse said.

He explained that the violence in Benue is part of a sustained, systematic invasion by armed herders and bandits whose goal is to forcibly displace indigenous communities and take over their land.

“What is happening is a calculated, well-executed, full-blown genocidal and land-grabbing operation that has lasted for decades and continues to worsen,” the royal father stated.

Ayatse warned that unless the crisis is correctly identified, finding meaningful and lasting solutions would remain elusive. “A wrong diagnosis always leads to the wrong treatment,” he said. “This is far beyond issues of peaceful coexistence—it is a war that must be addressed as such.”

President Tinubu’s visit comes in the wake of renewed violence in the state, where over 160 people have been killed in recent weeks. His administration has been urged to respond swiftly and decisively to the worsening security situation.

Justice Yusuf Halilu, who presided over the case on Monday, ruled in favour of the bail application after Emefiele pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges center on a large housing estate located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, comprising 753 units over 150,462.86 square meters.

Although the EFCC did not oppose the bail request filed by Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), the prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) asked the court to strike out some sections of the application—an objection the court upheld.

In his ruling, Justice Halilu noted that bail is a constitutional right and emphasized Emefiele’s previous compliance with bail conditions in other cases. He ordered that Emefiele must present two sureties who are Abuja residents and own properties valued at ₦2 billion within Asokoro, Maitama, or Wuse II. The sureties must also undertake to produce him in court throughout the trial.

The judge further warned that failure to meet the bail conditions by Wednesday, June 18, would result in Emefiele being remanded. The matter was adjourned to July 11 for further proceedings.

The charge, marked CR/358/2025, accuses Emefiele and a co-defendant, Ocheme (currently at large), of unlawful possession and control of property and large sums of money, allegedly held in proxy accounts with Zenith Bank. These include:

• ₦167 million and ₦1.23 billion in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account,
• ₦2.9 billion and ₦1.98 billion in the same account between January and December 2022,
• ₦900 million and ₦600 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account.

Additionally, Emefiele is charged with forging an “Irrevocable Power of Attorney” in January 2021 to misrepresent a document as being authorized by H and Y Business Global Limited.

The EFCC alleges the offences violate sections 319, 362, and 364 of the Penal Code.