Category Archives: News

NAF eliminates dozens of terrorists in precision airstrikes across Northern Nigeria

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed dozens of terrorists and bandits in a series of precision airstrikes targeting criminal enclaves across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operations were part of intensified counterterrorism and counter-banditry campaigns against Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other armed groups.

According to Ejodame, the coordinated missions, conducted on November 9, were executed under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West. He described the strikes as a decisive phase in the ongoing military effort to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across northern Nigeria.

He revealed that airstrikes in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, followed credible intelligence and surveillance reports. The strikes destroyed ISWAP strongholds, logistics depots, and weapons storage facilities, killing several militants and disrupting their movements around the Lake Chad Basin.

Read Also: Army sustains onslaught, neutralises more terrorists, nabs others

“In Kwara and Katsina States, NAF aircraft successfully targeted bandit hideouts at Garin Dandi, Chigogo, and Zango Hill, dealing significant blows to the criminal gangs,” Ejodame said.

He added that similar operations were carried out in Zamfara and Kaduna States, where terrorists fleeing on motorcycles were tracked and neutralised along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.

Ejodame said the renewed tempo of air operations reflected the commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to deploy intelligence-driven airpower in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its mission to safeguard communities and enhance national security through sustained precision strikes,” he affirmed.

Nigerian Air Force, NAF airstrikes, Northern Nigeria, terrorism, ISWAP, Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Kwara, Borno, Sunday Aneke, security news, News Access NG

Proven steps to secure U.S. visa sponsorship from Nigeria

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Securing a U.S. visa can be a complex process, but having a sponsor can significantly increase your chances of success. A sponsor provides both legal and financial support, assuring U.S. immigration authorities that you have genuine reasons and sufficient backing to enter the country.

In simple terms, visa sponsorship means that someone or an institution in the United States—whether a family member, employer, or school—is officially supporting your visa application. This backing strengthens your case and simplifies the often-challenging visa process.

Below are the most reliable ways Nigerians can secure a U.S. visa sponsorship:

1. Family-Based Sponsorship

If you have close relatives living in the U.S., they can legally sponsor your immigration.

•             U.S. citizens can file petitions for their spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

•             Green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.

•             Engaged couples can use the K-1 fiancé(e) visa to enter the U.S., marry, and later apply for a green card.

The process begins when your relative files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and submits an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to prove both relationship and financial capability.

2. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

Each year, the U.S. Department of State runs the Diversity Visa Lottery, randomly selecting individuals from eligible countries, including Nigeria, for permanent residency.

Winners can apply for immigrant visas and, once approved, receive green cards.

Applications are free and must be submitted through the official DV Lottery website—usually between October and November.

Avoid fake websites that promise guaranteed entry; successful applicants always receive a confirmation number directly from the U.S. government.

3. Scholarships and Exchange Programmes

Winning a fully funded scholarship or exchange program is another strong route to visa sponsorship, typically under F-1 or J-1 visas.

Programs like the Fulbright Scholarship, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and other U.S. government initiatives cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs.

Read Also: Easiest countries for Nigerians to get Visa

To qualify, applicants need strong academic results, recommendation letters, and compelling personal statements.

Such opportunities not only provide education but can also lead to employment-based sponsorship after graduation.

4. Employer Sponsorship

Professionals with in-demand skills can secure sponsorship from U.S. companies willing to file petitions on their behalf.

Common visa categories include:

•             H-1B Visa: For specialized occupations (engineering, tech, healthcare, finance).

•             O-1 Visa: For individuals with exceptional abilities.

•             L-1 Visa: For company transfers from a foreign branch.

Employers must submit Form I-129 and a Labor Condition Application (LCA) confirming fair compensation under U.S. labor laws.

While competitive, multinational and tech companies are often open to sponsoring skilled workers from abroad.

5. Study Route via OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Many Nigerians move to the U.S. through education. After completing studies under an F-1 visa, graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work legally for up to 12 months, or 36 months for STEM graduates.

This allows employers to assess your skills before sponsoring you for a longer-term visa like the H-1B.

Though it requires investment in tuition, this route offers a pathway to U.S. work experience and possible permanent residency.

6. Intra-Company Transfer (L-1 Visa)

Employees of multinational companies in Nigeria may qualify for a transfer to the U.S. under the L-1 visa program.

This option applies to managers, executives, or workers with specialized knowledge who have been employed for at least one year in the past three years.

The L-1 process bypasses the H-1B lottery and provides a smoother transition within the same organization.

Professionals in banking, tech, oil, and manufacturing sectors are often strong candidates for this visa category.

UNMISS, South Sudan assess urgent humanitarian needs in Bazia

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The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan, has conducted a joint assessment mission to evaluate the growing humanitarian crisis among displaced families in Bazia, Western Bahr El Ghazal State.

The mission followed the mid-October 2025 clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and opposition forces in Nagero County, Western Equatoria, which forced over 16,000 people to flee their homes and seek safety across the border in Bazia.

UNMISS peacekeepers and government officials traveled more than 70 kilometers to reach the remote community, where they found widespread suffering—acute food shortages, scarcity of clean water, limited healthcare access, and a complete lack of educational opportunities.

“We joined this government-led delegation, and our Bangladesh peacekeepers conducted a free medical camp and distributed dignity kits to women,” said Susan Okello, UNMISS Protection, Transition, and Reintegration Officer.

“As a Mission, we remain committed to supporting the government in strengthening security so these families can return home.”

Read Also: South Africa, UN FAO partner on STI roadmap to transform agrifood systems

The scale of the displacement was described as far worse than expected.

“We were not expecting such a large number of people in desperate need of urgent assistance,”
said Musa Barsham, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.
“Their condition is dire, yet we have no immediate resources to support them. We appeal to all people to help.”

According to Dr. Francis Michael Hassan, State Minister of Health and Chairperson of the Government Committee, the team discovered that among those displaced were around 700 schoolchildren, including 41 candidates preparing for their Primary Eight exams.

“Our findings will be compiled into a report to be presented to the government for further intervention,”
Dr. Hassan stated.
“They need all the help they can get, particularly the children who should return to school as soon as possible.”

For now, the displaced families of Nagero County remain in Bazia—tired, uncertain, but hopeful that peace and stability will soon allow them to return home.

“We are here because of insecurity,” said Alex Marko Nazamba, Executive Director of Nagero County and one of the displaced.
“We need the Nagero County Commissioner to return and assure us of our safety—and then we will go back.”

Luxembourg, AfDB strengthen partnership to boost Africa’s sustainable growth

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Luxembourg have pledged to deepen cooperation in support of Africa’s sustainable and inclusive growth, ahead of the seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17).

The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah and Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings. It was the first official meeting between the two leaders since Dr. Ould Tah assumed office in September.

The discussions reaffirmed Luxembourg’s longstanding partnership with the AfDB and highlighted its continued support for Africa’s most vulnerable economies. Luxembourg remains one of the world’s top contributors of development assistance, consistently allocating 1% of its GNI to development projects—well above the UN-recommended 0.7%. Under the previous funding cycle, ADF-16, Luxembourg contributed €12.7 million, a 10% increase from prior cycles, with a focus on climate action, governance, gender equality, and private sector development.

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

“Africa’s development needs remain considerable, particularly in areas such as education, energy, technology, infrastructure and the fight against climate change,” said Minister Roth. “Luxembourg’s financial centre, with its expertise in sustainable finance and impact investing, is well placed to channel private capital toward these priorities. We will continue working alongside the African Development Bank to strengthen Africa’s investment environment and build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.”

Dr. Ould Tah described Luxembourg as “a steadfast partner” of the AfDB, emphasizing its leadership in sustainable finance and multilateral cooperation. He noted Luxembourg’s partnership will be crucial for mobilizing resources during the ADF-17 pledging session in December, supporting transformative investments across the continent.

Beyond concessional financing, Luxembourg contributes to initiatives like the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility, aimed at promoting financial innovation, broadening market access, and strengthening Africa’s private investment ecosystem.

Since its creation in 1972, the African Development Fund has financed nearly 3,000 projects worth over $45 billion, improving access to clean energy, food, education, and healthcare across 37 African countries, nearly half of which are fragile or conflict-affected. The ADF-17 cycle seeks to mobilize additional resources to create jobs, strengthen resilience, and unlock Africa’s economic potential, contributing to global stability and shared prosperity.

Thousands of climate-displaced Somalis abandoned by authorities, Amnesty Int’l claims

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Somali authorities and the international community have repeatedly failed to protect thousands of people displaced by climate-related drought in southern Somalia, leaving them vulnerable to violations of their rights to food, water, health, and life, according to a new Amnesty International report.

Titled “No rain, no food, no animals: The human rights impact of drought and displacement in Somalia”, the report details how, between 2020 and 2023, climate-induced drought, coupled with ongoing conflict and marginalization, forced thousands of Somalis to relocate first to internal displacement camps in southern Somalia and later to Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya. During these journeys, authorities provided little to no relief, including food or healthcare.

“Somalia is on the frontline of human-induced climate change,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Its contribution to global warming is negligible, yet its people bear the brunt of the crisis. High-income countries most responsible for climate change must step up to support Somalia in adapting to these effects.”

The report, based on interviews with 177 refugees at Dadaab between September 2024 and March 2025, as well as humanitarian workers and government officials, highlights the dire conditions faced by displaced families. Persistent drought has dried up water sources, causing people to rely on contaminated water, resulting in outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Food prices have surged by up to 160% above pre-2020 levels, fueling malnutrition and further displacement.

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

Somalia declared the drought a national disaster in November 2021, yet health budgets remain under 5% of government spending, far below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration, leaving millions without access to essential services.

Stories from affected families illustrate the human cost. Fadumo, a 53-year-old mother of eight from Baydhabo, abandoned her farm and walked 24 hours for dirty water before relocating to Dadaab after failing to find work in Mogadishu. Bile, a 33-year-old father of eight from Jilib, lost his elderly parents after he had to move with his family due to drought-induced food scarcity.

Displacement often occurred multiple times. IDPs initially settled in southern Somalia faced further movement due to continued drought or floods. Journeys to Dadaab could last two days to six weeks, with many forced to sell belongings or livestock to afford transport. Humanitarian aid was largely absent along travel routes, with limited assistance concentrated only at camps, leaving many families malnourished and exhausted upon arrival.

“Somali authorities must urgently implement climate resilience policies that protect vulnerable communities from the compounding effects of drought, conflict, and displacement,” Chagutah said.

The report calls for a coordinated international response to ensure that climate-displaced communities in Somalia receive the protection, resources, and rights guaranteed under the Somali constitution and international law, including the Kampala Convention.

Ochanya: Family urges IGP to arrest fleeing rape suspect 7yrs after

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The Ogbanje family of Ogene-Amejo, Okpowu Local Government,  Benue, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) to arrest  Victor Ogbuja, for allegedly raping their late teenage daughter, Ochanya Ogbanje, and fleeing.

This is contained in a petition written by the family to the I-G, titled: “Petition on police refusal to arrest and prosecute Victor Ogbuja over the gruesome rape to death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje after seven years.”

The family’s petition, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, urged the I-G to declare the fleeing suspect wanted, put him on watchlist, manhunt and arrest him.

According to the family, in spite of the outrage that greeted the sordid circumstances that surrounded Ochanya’s death, the police have failed to arrest the suspect and bring him to justice seven years after.

“We write to bring to your knowledge the blatant refusal of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to apprehend and prosecute a fleeing suspected rapist, Victor Ogbuja, seven long years after he absconded when it was made public that he repeatedly raped Ochanya Ogbanje.

“Ochanya, then a Junior Secondary School student of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Gboko, Benue, died on Oct. 17, 2018, due to health complications from years of prolonged rape at the hands of the Ogbujas, while she lived with them.

“We urge the I-G to declare the fleeing suspect Ogbuja wanted, put him on the watchlist and launch a manhunt to arrest him,” the petition filed by the family’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, reads in part.

The family, which also claimed that the suspect is living in Lagos, requested the I-G to recall the case file from the Police Command in Benue to the Force Headquarters for further investigation.

The Ogbanje family further claimed that the suspect’s family continued to insult, intimidate, and threaten their family on the ground that they were responsible for the abscondment of their son.

They are also seeking police protection for their family members because of the persistent and enduring threats from the Ogbuja family, who they claim are relatively influential and politically connected.

Read Also: NCAA petitions IGP, AGF to arrest, prosecute K1 over Airport incident

“It is our considered view that the seemingly outright refusal of the  Police to apprehend Victor Ogbuja for prosecution has occasioned a grievous act of injustice, not only to the late Ochanya, but also patently poses a danger to innocent girls and women unaware of his predatory habit and antecedents.

“Furthermore, the failure to arrest Victor Ogbuja portrays Nigeria in the eyes of the international community as a lawless country where the rights of vulnerable people are trampled upon at will by powerful people and the elite.

“In light of the renewed calls by Nigerians, both at home and abroad, the Nigeria Police Force has an opportunity not only to redeem its image in this case but to assert itself as Nigeria’s foremost law enforcement agency,” the family added.

Ochanya was said to be five years old, when she was taken from Ogene-Amejo village by her mother, to live with Mrs Felicia Ogbuja, her relative, in Ugbokolo in search of a better primary school.

From age seven, the suspect allegedly started raping her repeatedly through the vagina and anus until she developed a medical condition diagnosed as “faecal and urinary incontinence.”

At the age of 13 years, when her health condition became aggravated, Ochanya revealed the cause of her medical predicament to her caregiver, Evangelist  Enuwa Soo, in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.

On realising the gravity of her health condition, her caregiver moved Ochanya to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, for proper diagnosis.

In spite of efforts to cure her, Ochanya’s health condition continued to worsen as she was uncontrollably urinating and defecating on herself. Ochanya subsequently passed away on Oct. 17, 2018.

The medical report from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital  given to police command, stated that Ochanya suffered “faecal and urinary incontinence, which was initially mild and it progressively worsened” before her tragic death.

The suspect’s mother, Mrs Felicia Ogbuja was, however, convicted and sentenced to five months imprisonment for her abdication of responsibility to Ochanya, which permitted the sexual assault against the teenager.

(NAN

Equinix to launch $22m data center in Lagos, boosting Africa’s digital infrastructure

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Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the global digital infrastructure company, has announced plans to open a new high-performance data center in Lagos, Nigeria, with an initial investment of $22 million. The LG3 facility represents the first phase of a broader $100 million investment aimed at transforming Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, the Lagos data center is expected to strengthen local businesses’ capacity to scale while attracting international companies to the country, cementing Lagos as a strategic hub for global connectivity.

The new facility will integrate Equinix Fabric, allowing businesses to securely connect their physical and virtual infrastructure with cloud providers, partners, and other Equinix locations worldwide.

“LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide,” said Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix. “As Lagos emerges as a hub of talent, innovation, and connectivity, this facility will accelerate access to technologies like cloud, AI, and the next generation of startups. We’re not just building data centers; we’re fostering growth and laying the groundwork for a connected African economy ready to compete globally.”

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, added, “Equinix’s Lagos data center provides a robust platform for expanding our digital footprint. Its reliability and access to a global ecosystem empower us to deliver high-performance solutions to our customers.”

Nigeria, Africa’s second-largest economy, has a growing tech-savvy population, with Lagos recognized as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems. Equinix entered the African market in 2022 and has since expanded into Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, supporting Africa’s digital transformation through sustainable, carrier-neutral infrastructure.

Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President, EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, emphasized, “Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by a young population, rising internet access, and growing demand for secure data infrastructure. Our new Lagos facility reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s growth and connecting it to the global economy.”

With over 270 data centers worldwide, Equinix continues to leverage Nigeria’s strategic position as an international hub for subsea cable connections, linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and beyond. The company also prioritizes sustainability, ensuring LG3 and all its sites operate efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.

Troops rescue 86 victims, nab 29 terror suspects in Borno

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Troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and foiled a terrorists’ ambush during coordinated operations in Borno.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by the Media Information Officer for OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.

Uba said the troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2, OPHK, encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura on Sunday while responding to reports of abductions along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.

He said the troops engaged the insurgents, pursued them towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter that led to the destruction of 11 makeshift terrorists’ structures.

According to him eight victims, including men, women, and children, were rescued in the operation.

Read Also: Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

“Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The terrorists’ camp was destroyed after clearance operations,” he said.

Uba said that troops deployed at Mangada also apprehended 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria area of Borno.

He said suspects were nabbed with two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol, engine oil, new gun truck tyres, medical consumables, and large quantities of foodstuff.

According to him, the Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism and urged them to sustain the tempo to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East theatre. (NAN)

Navy rescues 10 crew members from distressed vessel

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The Nigerian Navy has rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which was enroute Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Monday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu said that the navy had proven its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea.

He said the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA on Friday.

Read Also: Navy dismantles 10 Illegal refining sites in Delta, seizes 27,000 litres of stolen products

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed.

“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday.

“The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and exceptional professionalism,” he said.

Adams-Aliu said the successful rescue operation underscores the Nigerian navy’s renewed efforts to ensure maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

(NAN)

US unveils new visa rules targeting applicants with chronic illnesses

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The United States government has rolled out new immigration guidelines that could deny visas and green cards to foreign nationals living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other long-term illnesses.

The directive, issued under President Donald Trump’s administration, broadens the definition of a “public charge” — a term in U.S. immigration law referring to individuals likely to become financially dependent on government assistance.

According to a State Department cable circulated to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, visa officers have been instructed to identify applicants whose medical conditions could result in “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.”

Read Also: Easiest countries for Nigerians to get Visa

The document lists cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, metabolic and neurological disorders, as well as mental health conditions among the illnesses that could trigger visa denials. It also highlights obesity as a potential red flag, citing its association with costly complications such as asthma, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

Under the new policy, officials are directed to consider whether applicants may pose a financial burden on the state due to their health conditions.

Previously, medical screenings for visa applicants mainly focused on communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. However, this directive marks a significant policy shift, placing chronic illnesses at the center of immigration eligibility assessments.

According to the U.S.-based Murthy Law Firm, the State Department’s move represents an unprecedented linkage between health status and admissibility, effectively tying an applicant’s medical history to their perceived economic value.

It remains unclear whether these new rules will extend to nonimmigrant visa categories such as tourist (B1/B2) or student (F1) visas.