The first batch of Nigerian nationals to be evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos tomorrow morning.

According to the updates provided by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, an Air Peace plane will depart the Oliver Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg today with 268 people.

The update reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the first batch of Nigerian nationals that will be evacuated from the Republic of South Africa due to Xenophobic attacks

“The evacuation operation will be undertaken by Air Peace Airlines.

‘’The Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation exercise; consequently, all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them.’’

The ministry assured Nigerians that the Federal Government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs), has put in place necessary reception and support arrangements for the would-be returnees.

It added that ‘’upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families.”

More than 1,000 Nigerians indicated interest in leaving South Africa following the Xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered a plot by suspected terrorists and bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo State, particularly within the Edo North Senatorial District, according to an intelligence memo circulating online.

The classified memo, dated June 5, 2026, warned security agencies and relevant authorities of an imminent threat to schools in the state following intelligence gathered from intercepted communications between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa and Nuhu.

According to the DSS, the suspects discussed plans to target schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly proved unsuccessful.

“Intelligence at the disposal of the command indicates plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North senatorial district,” the memo stated.

The document further revealed that Bawa, described as a Fulani man from Zamfara State, and his associate, Nuhu, concluded during their conversation that abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and increase the chances of receiving huge ransom payments.

“To this end, they concluded that abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions,” the memo added.

As part of efforts to foil the plot, the DSS disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect, identified as Emmanuel Momidu, was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Makeke Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The security agency subsequently advised authorities to immediately strengthen security around schools across Edo State, especially in vulnerable communities within Edo North.

It recommended deploying security personnel to schools and surrounding communities, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and other community-based security outfits.

The DSS also called for intensified patrols, surveillance operations and intelligence gathering in areas considered vulnerable to attacks.

The latest intelligence has raised fresh concerns over the safety of schoolchildren amid a resurgence of kidnappings targeting educational institutions across parts of Nigeria.

The warning comes weeks after gunmen abducted several pupils and teachers from a school in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, reigniting fears over the vulnerability of schools in the South-West region.

The Edo state government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a kidnap threat against students.

The directive, contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, said the affected schools were Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The circular dated June 9 was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.

NAN reports that the closure came against the backdrop of a security intelligence report by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The reports in a memo dated June 5, and sighted by NAN, warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of school children in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the intelligence memo addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits.

The two suspects allegedly discussed targeting school children after earlier attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield expected financial gains.

The report indicates that the suspects believed abducting students will attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments and other concessions.

The memo further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Makeke community, one of the schools subsequently shut by the government.

According to the document, the suspect’s activities heightened fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

In response to the threat, the security agency advised authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions across the state, particularly in Edo North.

Meanwhile in the memo directing the closure of the schools, the permanent secretary said that the decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies warning of threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he said.

He added that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended until further notice as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.

Otamare said that in spite of the closure, candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to have access to examination centres under strict security arrangements.

“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” he said.

He directed school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.

He also urged parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities. (NAN)