Xenophobia: Youth Group Issues Picketing Notice to MTN Nigeria

The apex Yoruba youth organisation, Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) , has officially served a notice of intention to picket the offices of telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria over the company’s alleged failure to condemn the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. This decision follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum demanding that the South African-linked company publicly denounce the violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa. The group stated that previous correspondence and direct appeals to the telecom firm had been completely ignored, a response they termed “unacceptable” for an entity reaping immense financial patronage from the Nigerian populace. The coalition confirmed that relevant Nigerian security agencies and the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria have already been notified of the impending action, though a specific date for the picketing has not yet been announced.

In a statement jointly signed by OYC Vice President, Olatunji Adejuwon, and National Secretary, Olaoye Abolaji, the coalition expressed deep disappointment over MTN Nigeria’s continued silence on the xenophobic violence. The group described the company’s failure to respond as unacceptable, given its South African roots and the patronage it enjoys from millions of Nigerians. “This silence is unacceptable, particularly for a corporate entity whose roots are closely connected to South Africa while enjoying immense patronage and goodwill from the Nigerian people,” the statement read. The OYC emphasised that the planned picketing is aimed at enforcing corporate social responsibility and compelling the company to show moral leadership in condemning acts of xenophobia against fellow Africans. The coalition said it would proceed with a peaceful protest if the telecommunications company continued to ignore its demands, stressing that the demonstration would remain orderly and strictly within the confines of Nigerian law.

READ ALSO:

• Flooding, Grid Disruptions Trigger Blackouts Across Lagos, Osun Communities
• Gbajabiamila Scandal a Plot to Embarrass Tinubu, Says Wike
• Lasaco Assurance pays N17.60bn in claims, assures policyholders of prompt settlements

To resolve the impasse, the coalition demands that MTN Nigeria immediately convene a joint press conference with OYC representatives to unequivocally denounce the violence and reaffirm its commitment to the dignity and safety of all Africans. “We once again call on MTN Nigeria to immediately convene a press conference, with representatives of the Oodua Youth Coalition in attendance, to unequivocally condemn the xenophobic attacks and reaffirm its commitment to the safety, dignity and unity of all Africans,” the statement read. The group maintained that the proposed protest would be peaceful, orderly and in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to the coalition, relevant security agencies have been notified of the planned action, while appropriate communications have also been sent to the South African diplomatic mission in Nigeria. The group also assured the public that the demonstration would not disrupt business activities unduly but would serve as a symbolic expression of discontent over the company’s perceived indifference to the suffering of Nigerians in South Africa.

The development comes despite comments by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola, who recently condemned all forms of xenophobia and violence against Africans living in South Africa. Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines, Toriola said that although MTN was founded in South Africa, over 11 million Nigerians indirectly own stakes in the company through pension fund investments. “We unequivocally condemn any form of xenophobia, violence or attacks against any community in the world. We’re a Nigerian company, through and through. We’re listed on the stock exchange with over 201,000 retail investors, and 11 million people hold shares through their pension funds in MTN Nigeria,” Toriola said. He added that while the parent company is South African, its shareholder base is international, with investors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Toriola stressed that MTN Nigeria remains committed to Nigeria and unequivocally condemns xenophobia, violence and attacks against any community. He also noted that the company has invested heavily in Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and remains a key player in the country’s digital economy, contributing significantly to employment and economic growth.

The renewed calls come amid a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa following the expiration of a June 30 deadline imposed by vigilante groups for foreign nationals to leave the country. The attacks have included violence, looting of foreign-owned businesses, and displacement of African immigrants from various communities across South Africa. The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the violence and urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians in South Africa. The Upper Chamber also rejected calls to nationalise South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in retaliation for the attacks. Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria be used to compensate affected Nigerians if South Africa failed to do so, but the Senate declined to adopt the recommendation. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cautioned against retaliatory measures, saying, “Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa… However, we also need to exercise caution.” He emphasised that diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation would yield better outcomes than confrontational approaches.

The Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to submit a report within two weeks on actions taken to address the attacks and recommendations for further intervention. The Federal Government has been evacuating Nigerian nationals from South Africa as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate citizens affected by the violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to register Nigeria’s strong displeasure over the attacks and demand urgent action to protect Nigerian citizens and their businesses. The OYC’s action represents a growing trend of civil society organisations and youth groups taking a more assertive stance on issues affecting Nigerians abroad, particularly when diplomatic efforts appear insufficient to address the grievances of citizens. The group’s decision to target MTN Nigeria reflects a broader strategy of leveraging economic pressure to compel corporate entities to take moral positions on issues of continental significance, a tactic that has been employed in previous instances of xenophobic violence against Nigerians.

Xenophobia: Youth Group Issues Picketing Notice to MTN Nigeria

Flooding, Grid Disruptions Trigger Blackouts Across Lagos, Osun Communities

Parts of Lagos and Osun states have been thrown into blackouts following separate disruptions to electricity infrastructure, with the failure of two major transmission lines reducing power supply in Lagos and flooding damaging distribution facilities in parts of Osun. The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) announced on Wednesday that electricity allocation to their networks had been reduced, forcing load shedding across some of their business units. The Eko Electricity Distribution Company and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company have announced power outages across several communities under their coverage areas following heavy rainfall that disrupted electricity infrastructure. EKEDC in a statement issued on Wednesday said electricity supply to its network had been reduced after outages on the Oshogbo-Ikeja 330kV and Benin-Egbin 330kV transmission lines, resulting in load shedding across some of its business units. The DisCo said, “Some business units may experience load shedding. Cause: Grid Disruption. Osogbo/Ikeja 330kV line down. The Benin/Egbin 330kV line is down. Impact: Reduction in grid allocation”. The company did not indicate when the transmission lines would be restored but said it was engaging the relevant authorities to normalise electricity supply as quickly as possible.

The power disruption has affected several communities across Lagos, including Chevy View Estate, Chevron Drive, Agungi, Alpha Beach, Ikate, Elegushi, Carlton Gate, Kusenla, Victory Park Estate, Oniru, Maroko, Muri Okunola, Ajose Adeogun, Ligali Ayorinde, and parts of Aboyade Cole. Other affected locations are Morinho Drive, Landmark Road, Igbo Efon, Lekki Tollgate 2, Igbokusu, Gbangbala, Platinum Way, Jakande/Coastal Road, OADC/Mayegun, Ajiran, Chevron Alternative Area, and Osapa London. EKEDC assured customers that it was working with the national grid operator to restore normal electricity supply once the affected transmission lines are returned to service. “We are in constant contact with the national grid operator and will restore supply as soon as the lines are back. Thank you for your patience,” it stated. The company said it was engaging the relevant authorities to normalise electricity supply as quickly as possible, though no specific timeline was provided for full restoration.

READ ALSO:

• Gbajabiamila Scandal a Plot to Embarrass Tinubu, Says Wike
• Lasaco Assurance pays N17.60bn in claims, assures policyholders of prompt settlements
• ‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

The power crisis follows an earlier declaration of force majeure by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on its Oworonshoki 132/33kV and Lekki 330/132kV transmission substations after severe flooding caused by persistent rainfall in Lagos. In a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN said the Oworonshoki substation had been forced out of service after rising floodwaters affected two of its power transformers, while emergency efforts were ongoing to keep the Lekki facility operational. According to the company, the affected transformers at Oworonshoki—TR1 (60MVA) and TR3 (30MVA)—tripped on no-load and could not be restored despite repeated attempts by engineers. TCN explained that all protection and control cables connected to the two transformers had been completely submerged, making it impossible to conduct the necessary integrity tests or restore the equipment while the flooding persists. “Presently, all power protection and control cables of the two power transformers are submerged in water, and efforts to evacuate the water have proved ineffective because the rainfall has continued,” the statement said. The company noted that the Lekki 330/132kV Transmission Substation remained in service, with engineers continuously pumping out floodwater to prevent the facility from suffering a similar shutdown.

The declaration of force majeure became inevitable because the flooding constituted an extraordinary circumstance beyond the company’s control, temporarily preventing normal operations at the affected transmission assets. The declaration of force majeure underscores the severity of the flooding and signals that TCN may be unable to meet certain operational obligations at the affected substations until normal conditions are restored. TCN disclosed that its engineers are working round the clock to evacuate floodwater from the Oworonshoki substation and restore the affected transformers once the site becomes safe for testing and recommissioning. The disruption is expected to impact electricity supply to customers of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company who receive power through the Oworonshoki transmission network. While apologising for the inconvenience, TCN assured electricity consumers that every available resource was being deployed to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. The company also emphasised that the force majeure declaration was a necessary legal step to protect the organisation from liability arising from circumstances beyond its control.

In addition to the Lagos disruptions, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has acknowledged the intermittent power supply and prolonged outages being experienced across its franchise areas, attributing the situation to a reduction in electricity load allocation from the national grid. The company said the supply constraints affect customers in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Kwara states, as well as parts of Ibadan metropolis, noting that the development has significantly limited the quantum of power available for distribution within its network. IBEDC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to customers, admitting that the reduced allocation has resulted in extended outage periods in several communities. According to the company, it is in active engagement with the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Nigeria Independent System Operator to address the challenge and improve supply stability across its franchise. The firm said that, pending improvement in load allocation, the limited electricity currently available is being managed carefully to ensure fairness, with power being strategically allocated and equitably distributed across feeders and service bands to balance operational efficiency with customer needs.

The development comes amid widespread flooding in Lagos following prolonged rainfall, which has submerged major roads, disrupted traffic, and affected homes and businesses in several parts of the state. The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of critical electricity infrastructure to extreme weather events, particularly in low-lying areas of Lagos that are prone to flooding during intense rainfall. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, recently called for an end to vandalism of power infrastructure, grid sabotage, energy theft, and estimated billing, insisting that restoring the country’s electricity sector requires collective responsibility from all participants in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. He described vandalism, grid sabotage, and energy theft as acts of “economic warfare” against Nigerian households, stating that power infrastructure should be designated and protected as Critical National Assets. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, on its part, urged stronger collaboration among operators, strict regulatory compliance, improved customer service, and greater transparency to accelerate reforms in the industry.

TCN apologised for the disruption, expressing regret over the inconvenience to customers of Eko Electricity Distribution Company and other affected DisCos supplied from the affected transmission substations. The company said engineers are working to evacuate the floodwater to allow for further testing of the transformers and possible restoration of operations. The development comes as the government intensifies efforts to improve grid reliability and expand electricity access nationwide. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, there are growing calls for investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, including raising substations in flood-prone areas, improving drainage systems, and implementing early warning systems to protect critical assets from flooding. The power sector regulator has also emphasised the need for distribution companies to improve communication with customers during outages and provide timely updates on restoration efforts to manage expectations and reduce frustration among affected households and businesses.

Flooding, Grid Disruptions Trigger Blackouts Across Lagos, Osun Communities

ISWAP attacks army base in Borno, kills soldier, burns police post

Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have launched a fresh assault on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a Nigerian soldier and setting several public facilities ablaze in one of the latest attacks highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East.

The late-night attack, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted troops of Operation HADIN KAI stationed in the border community, with residents reporting that the insurgents also razed a police outpost, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and two classrooms after clashing with security forces.

Confirming the incident, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the military base but were eventually repelled after troops mounted a fierce counteroffensive.

According to the military, the insurgents briefly breached part of the Forward Operating Base’s defensive perimeter during the intense exchange of gunfire before soldiers regrouped, inflicted casualties on the attackers and forced them to retreat.

Despite successfully defending the base, the military disclosed that one soldier was killed in action.

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement,” the statement said.

The military added that reinforcements had since been deployed to the affected base, while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures were ongoing to prevent another attack.

The latest assault comes as Operation HADIN KAI continues sustained offensives against ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. In recent weeks, the military has reported the rescue of kidnapped civilians, the surrender of insurgents, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during clearance operations.

However, residents of Logomani said the insurgents extended their attack beyond the military base by targeting civilian infrastructure after the gun battle.

READ ALSO:

• US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown
• Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance
• Presidency Slams Peter Obi’s ‘False Intimidation Claims’

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said many villagers fled their homes as the heavily armed attackers entered the community and torched a police outpost, the local Primary Healthcare Centre, and two classrooms in a nearby school.

“We all left the community during the attack. The terrorists were heavily armed. After the fighting with the soldiers, they entered the school and burnt down two classrooms. They also attacked a police outpost and a hospital, which they burnt down,” the resident said.

While the military did not confirm claims that troops were overwhelmed, it acknowledged that the attackers temporarily breached part of the Forward Operating Base’s defensive perimeter before they were pushed back.

A local security source also disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) immediately launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing insurgents in a bid to prevent further attacks on surrounding communities.

On Wednesday, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, Mala Ngala, visited the affected community to assess the level of destruction.

During the inspection, the council chairman visited the burnt police outpost, healthcare centre and damaged classrooms, assuring residents that the findings would be submitted to the Borno State Government to facilitate urgent intervention and reconstruction of the destroyed public facilities.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The latest attack has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of frontline communities around the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgent groups continue to exploit difficult terrain and cross-border routes to launch surprise attacks despite years of sustained military operations.

Security analysts believe that while Nigerian troops have recorded significant gains against insurgent groups in recent months, including eliminating terrorist commanders, recovering sophisticated weapons and disrupting logistics networks, the attack in Logomani demonstrates that ISWAP still retains the capability to carry out coordinated assaults on both military formations and civilian infrastructure.

The incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger intelligence gathering, increased deployment of surveillance technology, enhanced border security and greater protection for vulnerable communities as Nigeria continues its long-running campaign against terrorism in the North-East.

ISWAP attacks army base in Borno, kills soldier, burns police post