258 Nigerians Return Home, Share Disturbing Stories of Attacks in South Africa

LAGOS, NIGERIA – For the 258 Nigerians who arrived in the country aboard an Air Peace flight under the Federal Government’s evacuation programme, Thursday marked the end of years of fear, uncertainty, discrimination, and alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Many of the returnees appeared emotional as they stepped onto Nigerian soil after enduring what they described as years of hostility and insecurity. Some knelt in gratitude, others raised their hands in celebration, while many embraced relatives waiting to receive them.

For several of the evacuees, returning home represented not only an escape from danger but also an opportunity to rebuild their lives after years of struggle abroad.

Among those who spoke about their experiences were Rafiu Wasiu, Adediran Ayodeji, Enitan Amao, Abdullahi Muniru, and Joy, a mother of two. Their stories painted a troubling picture of life as Nigerian migrants in South Africa amid recurring reports of xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner sentiment.

Rafiu Wasiu, an Ogun State indigene who spent about 11 years in South Africa, said he hopes to erase the painful memories of his time there.

According to him, Nigerians often faced discrimination based solely on their nationality.

“If anything happens and they hear you are from Nigeria, they immediately assume you are wrong, even when you are right,” he said.

Wasiu alleged that migrants were frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and extortion by criminals and sometimes security operatives.

He claimed that on one occasion, a friend was arrested without justification and was only released after a payment of 2,500 rand.

The automobile mechanic explained that he originally left Nigeria in search of better economic opportunities and hoped to improve the welfare of his family through earnings from abroad.

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However, he said the reality turned out to be very different from his expectations.

Despite the difficulties, Wasiu expressed optimism about his future in Nigeria.

“I am not a lazy man. I can work. At least here, I feel protected. I want to rest, stay with my family, clear my mind, and then begin again,” he said.

Another returnee, Adediran Ayodeji from Oyo State, described life in South Africa as increasingly difficult for foreign nationals.

Ayodeji, who spent 13 years in the country pursuing higher education and working as a chef and digital marketer, said he was relieved to be back in Nigeria.

He disclosed plans to continue his education and possibly join the Nigerian military to contribute to the fight against insecurity.

“I am happy to be back home. I want to continue my education and also serve Nigeria,” he said.

Perhaps one of the most disturbing accounts came from Enitan Amao, who alleged that a friend lost an eye during an attack on foreigners.

According to Amao, who worked in the private security sector, tensions escalated in communities where foreign nationals lived.

“A friend of mine lost one of his eyes during an attack. His employer had to take him to hospital where doctors fitted him with an artificial eye,” he said.

Amao further claimed that large groups of people armed with sticks and other weapons had threatened migrant communities in parts of Johannesburg.

He also recounted suffering a serious leg injury while attempting to escape an attack.

The injury, he said, left him unable to work for nearly two years due to the high cost of medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Joy, a mother of two young children, said concerns about her children’s safety influenced her decision to return home.

Carrying her 10-month-old baby while speaking to journalists, she described the challenges of living as a foreign national in South Africa.

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According to her, many Nigerians remain in South Africa despite security concerns because they fear returning to Nigeria without sufficient savings to restart their lives.

Her husband remains in South Africa to manage family property and raise funds before eventually returning home.

“I came back because of my children. Their safety comes first,” she said.

The latest evacuation follows growing concerns over threats allegedly directed at foreign nationals in some South African communities.

Over the years, xenophobic violence in South Africa has periodically drawn condemnation from African governments, human rights organisations, and regional bodies. Several incidents have resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement, and the destruction of businesses owned by migrants from different African countries.

In response to the latest concerns, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the Federal Government is considering escalating the issue to the African Union (AU) in search of a lasting continental solution.

According to the minister, attacks targeting individuals because of their nationality are unacceptable and require a coordinated response from African leaders.

“When you have leaders encouraging violence against other nationalities, that is unacceptable. We are engaging South African authorities at different levels and may also take the matter to the African Union for broader intervention,” he said.

The minister stressed that African nations must work together to protect the lives, rights, and property of all residents regardless of nationality.

As the returnees begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives in Nigeria, many say they remain grateful to have escaped what they described as years of fear and uncertainty.

For them, returning home represents more than a journey across borders—it is a chance to start over and reclaim a sense of safety, dignity, and belonging.

258 Nigerians Return Home, Share Disturbing Stories of Attacks in South Africa

Displaced Terrorists Moving into South-East, South-South – Security Sources

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Fresh intelligence reports have raised concerns about the alleged movement of displaced terrorists and armed criminal groups from northern Nigeria into parts of the South-East and South-South, following intensified military operations against insurgents and bandits in the North-West.

Security and intelligence sources told reporters that sustained offensives by the Nigerian military in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other conflict-ridden states have significantly weakened several terrorist and bandit networks, forcing many fighters to abandon their traditional hideouts and seek refuge elsewhere.

According to the sources, some of the fleeing insurgents are reportedly exploiting extensive forest corridors and riverine routes stretching through Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Anambra, Abia, Imo, and parts of the South-West to evade security forces and establish new operational bases.

A senior security official disclosed that intelligence gathered by security agencies indicates that some of the terrorists may have already infiltrated communities in southern Nigeria.

“These terrorists started moving from Zamfara through forests and remote routes. Some may have found their way into states such as Imo, Abia and even parts of Ogun State,” the source said.

Security concerns have particularly focused on Kogi State, which experts describe as a strategic transit corridor connecting northern and southern Nigeria. A retired Army General familiar with counter-insurgency operations explained that the state’s geography, extensive forest networks, and access to the Niger River corridor make it an attractive route for fleeing insurgents.

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According to the retired officer, interconnected forests linking northern states with the South-East and South-West have become potential escape routes for armed groups seeking to evade military pressure. He noted that terrorists often move through cattle routes, remote bush paths, and difficult terrain that make detection by security agencies more challenging. Security analysts have also pointed to the vast forest networks connecting Zamfara, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Ondo, and Ekiti states as areas requiring enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The growing concerns gained further attention following intelligence reports warning of a possible mass abduction targeting schools in Edo State. Acting on the security alert, the Edo State Government ordered the temporary closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area as a precautionary measure against potential attacks.

The affected institutions were identified as Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School. State authorities explained that the decision was based on intelligence indicating possible threats to students and staff, prompting enhanced security measures in the area. The development has reinforced concerns among security agencies that terrorist-linked groups may be seeking to expand their operations beyond their traditional areas of activity.

Intelligence sources have also warned of a possible shift in tactics by some terrorist groups, with increased focus on mass kidnappings and large-scale abductions. According to security operatives, such operations could be used to generate funds through ransom payments and potentially pressure authorities to release detained commanders and members of their networks.

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The warning comes against the backdrop of repeated cases of school abductions and mass kidnappings recorded across several parts of Nigeria in recent years. Security experts argue that criminal groups displaced by military operations often attempt to establish themselves in new territories where security pressure is perceived to be less intense.

Despite the intelligence reports, security agencies in the South-East have sought to reassure residents that there is currently no confirmed evidence of terrorist camps operating within the region. Officials in Anambra State said security operatives continue to conduct surveillance and intelligence-led operations across forests, border communities, and riverine areas to prevent any infiltration by criminal groups.

Similarly, the Imo State Police Command dismissed claims that terrorists or bandits have established operational bases within the state. Police authorities stated that continuous forest raids, intelligence gathering, and joint operations with other security agencies have significantly reduced criminal activities in the area.

Authorities in Abia State also maintained that they have not received intelligence confirming the presence of terrorist camps within the state. However, they emphasized that security agencies remain vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging threat.

Security experts have called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved cooperation among security agencies, and increased surveillance across vulnerable forest corridors linking northern and southern Nigeria. They also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security authorities.

Analysts warn that while military operations have succeeded in disrupting several terrorist networks in northern Nigeria, the long-term challenge will be preventing displaced fighters from establishing new footholds elsewhere in the country. As security agencies continue to monitor developments, authorities have reassured Nigerians that proactive measures are being implemented to safeguard communities and prevent the spread of terrorist activities into new regions.

Displaced Terrorists Moving into South-East, South-South – Security Sources

My Prophetess Wife Told Me Two of Our Children Are Not Mine – Husband

A dramatic marital dispute has unfolded at the Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, where a prophetess named Idowu has approached the court seeking the dissolution of her marriage to her husband, Aaron. The wife cited irresponsibility, neglect, domestic violence, and threats to her life as grounds for divorce. She told the court that their marriage lacked love and affection, accusing Aaron of regular physical abuse, marital rape, and threatening her life with a knife. But in a shocking counterclaim, the husband made a stunning revelation: he told the court that his wife once informed him during an argument that two of their four children are not his biological children.

In her testimony before the court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, Idowu painted a grim picture of her 13-year marriage. She stated that she walked out of the marriage when it became obvious her husband would one day make good his threat to kill her. “My husband is inhumane. He never showed me love nor showered affection on me. All he knew to do was to raise arguments, fight, and beat me,” she said. The prophetess further detailed harrowing experiences of abuse: “My husband was in the habit of drawing a knife at me whenever we fought and would threaten to kill me. He also used to have sex with me with force, thus humiliating me.” Idowu also accused Aaron of neglecting her and their four children, stating that he was insensitive to their needs and starved them on a daily basis. She also claimed her husband was indifferent to their children’s education. “I singlehandedly bore the responsibility of our children’s education. I funded their WASSCE and JAMB examination, which they passed in flying colours,” she told the court. “They have been given admission into the higher institution, but he has still refused to make any contributions towards the payment of their tuition fees. He has made zero contribution towards our children’s upkeep since I left home.” Fearing for her safety, Idowu stated that she moved out with their four children (two sets of twins). She is now seeking from the court full custody of their four children, a court order forcing Aaron to pay child upkeep, and a restraining order to protect her privacy and safety.

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Aaron, in his response, consented to the divorce but made a counter-demand: he wants custody of their first set of twins. He told the court that he was no longer interested in the union but refused to allow his wife to have custody of their older twins. It was during his testimony that Aaron dropped the bombshell. He claimed that his wife once told him during an argument that their second set of twins is not his biological children. He also accused Idowu of poor parenting, citing an incident where one of the younger twins was caught stealing at school, which he said brought shame to the family. “My wife has constantly denied access to our children and has poisoned their minds against me. I request that they pay me visits at weekends twice in a week,” Aaron told the court. Despite his paternity doubts, Aaron offered to pay ₦50,000 per month as a feeding allowance for the children.

After hearing both parties, the court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until August 2, 2026, for judgment. The case highlights a growing trend in Nigerian customary courts where paternity disputes are increasingly becoming a central issue in divorce proceedings. As DNA testing becomes more accessible, more men are coming forward to challenge paternity, leading to the breakdown of marriages and complex custody battles.

The Ibadan case is far from isolated. Across Nigeria, paternity fraud has emerged as a significant social and legal crisis. According to a 2025 report by Smart DNA Nigeria, about 25 per cent of paternity tests return negative results, indicating that one in four tested men are not the biological fathers of the children they believe to be theirs. Industry estimates suggest that roughly 20 to 25 percent of tested cases result in the exclusion of the presumed father. However, experts note that this statistic does not represent the general population, but rather individuals who already have strong doubts or suspicions before seeking testing. The data also reveals a concerning pattern regarding firstborn children. Approximately 64 percent of tested firstborn males do not share biological ties with their presumed fathers, making firstborns particularly vulnerable to paternity fraud. The cost of DNA testing in Nigeria typically ranges from about eighty thousand naira to over five hundred thousand naira (₦80,000 – ₦500,000+), depending on whether the test is for personal confirmation, legal use, or immigration purposes. The growing affordability and accessibility of these services have contributed to a noticeable rise in demand, particularly among younger couples and families.

While paternity disputes dominate headlines, the Idowu and Aaron case also brings to light the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Nigeria. In Akwa Ibom State alone, between January and May 2026, 161 cases of gender-based violence were recorded, including 61 cases of spousal battery, 46 cases of threats to life and physical assault, 18 cases of abandonment and forceful ejection from homes, and 26 rape cases. Since the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Law in Akwa Ibom State in June 2020, a total of 1,838 cases have been reported, with only 102 convictions secured while several remain pending at various courts. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), noted that the spike in such cases “is proof that victims are gradually finding the courage to speak up and seek justice.”

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Despite the growing prevalence of paternity fraud, Nigerian law currently does not criminalize the act. According to legal scholars writing in the Nigerian Journal of Law and Contemporary Legal Issues, paternity fraud constitutes a growing but under-regulated challenge within Nigeria’s legal system, raising profound questions of justice, privacy, family integrity, identity rights, and state responsibility. Under Section 165 of the Evidence Act, there is a presumption of legitimacy: where a person was born during the continuance of a valid marriage between his mother and any man, the court shall presume that the person is the legitimate child of that man. This presumption can only be rebutted by evidence proving that the parties to the marriage did not have sexual relations with each other at the material time, or through DNA testing under the Child Rights Act. Key challenges identified by legal experts include constitutional barriers posed by section 37 of the 1999 Constitution against compulsory DNA testing (right to privacy), lack of civil remedies or criminal sanctions for fraudulent mothers, weak birth registration systems, and insufficient protection of a child’s right to identity. Legal experts have called for comprehensive reforms, including a Parentage and Paternity Act, constitutional amendment to permit court-ordered DNA testing, criminalization of deliberate misattribution, robust civil remedies, strengthened forensic infrastructure, and enhanced child-identity protections aligned with international best practices.

Behind the statistics and legal debates are real people carrying deep emotional scars. In February 2026, the Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, narrated how a man discovered through his wife’s phone that all three children she gave birth to did not belong to him. Mental health professionals have warned that discovering one is not the biological father of a child is not a valid reason to emotionally or physically abandon that child, stressing that such actions could have devastating and long-lasting effects on the children involved.

As the Ibadan customary court prepares to deliver its judgment on August 2, the case serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need for legal reform. Scholars advocate for awareness campaigns, school initiatives, and group therapy to restore trust in families affected by paternity fraud. Until the law catches up with reality, men like Aaron will continue to face the painful question: are the children they love and provide for truly theirs? And women like Idowu will continue to seek protection from abusive marriages, even as their character is called into question. The court’s decision in this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how Nigerian customary courts balance the competing claims of paternity doubt, child custody, and domestic violence allegations.

My Prophetess Wife Told Me Two of Our Children Are Not Mine – Husband