The Federal Government has completed its fourth repatriation flight for Nigerians returning from South Africa, with 282 evacuees arriving at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight.   The latest operation brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated since the evacuation exercise began on June 11 to 1,141, according to TheCable. The repatriation programme was launched after more than 1,000 Nigerians indicated their willingness to return home amid rising anti-migrant tensions in South Africa. Last week, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians still in South Africa to take advantage of the government-backed evacuation before the exercise ends. Her appeal followed reports that two more Nigerians had been killed in South Africa, raising the official death toll linked to the recent xenophobic violence to four. Some returnees, however, have claimed the actual number of fatalities is higher. Although South African rights groups had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, the Nigerian government continued the evacuation programme beyond that date. Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured Nigerians that no citizen who registered for the repatriation exercise would be left behind. Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the fifth and final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week, marking the conclusion of the government’s repatriation operation.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in detention until after the 2027 general elections.   Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi claimed the opposition believes the Federal Government has no intention of releasing El-Rufai before the elections despite the charges against him being bailable. According to Abdullahi, the ADC is not opposed to the prosecution of anyone facing legitimate criminal charges. However, he argued that the continued detention of El-Rufai and what he described as stringent bail conditions suggest a deliberate attempt to keep the former governor in custody. He alleged that the ruling party fears El-Rufai’s release would strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s health, citing reports from his family that he recently received treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja, where doctors allegedly recommended close medical monitoring. The ADC spokesperson said President Bola Tinubu would be held responsible if anything happened to the former Kaduna governor while in detention, describing El-Rufai as a “political prisoner”. He further alleged that legal actions against opposition figures were aimed at limiting political competition ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi criticised the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a slogan that had failed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He added that the formation of the ADC coalition reflected the opposition’s desire to pursue a different style of politics. El-Rufai is currently facing charges of alleged financial misconduct during his time as Kaduna State governor in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court. He is also standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of illegal wire-tapping in a case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS). The allegations by the ADC reflect the party’s position. No response from the APC or the Federal Government was included in the Channels Television report.

Former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has died at the age of 69.   The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announced on Thursday that Archbishop Akubeze passed away on July 9, 2026. In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo, the Church said the late cleric dedicated his life to the spiritual and human development of the faithful. According to the statement, Archbishop Akubeze’s leadership transformed the Archdiocese of Benin City through sustained pastoral care and development initiatives. The Secretariat said he believed the Church’s mission extended beyond spiritual renewal to the holistic growth of its members. The Church also highlighted his commitment to the welfare and formation of priests, noting that he considered well-trained clergy essential to the future of the Catholic Church. As a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze was recognised for defending the teachings of the Church and upholding orthodox Catholic doctrine throughout his tenure. The Secretariat described him as a humble and compassionate leader whose ministry was defined by service, patience and generosity. It added that his episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (“That I may bear witness to the Truth”), reflected his lifelong commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. The Catholic Secretariat concluded by praying for the repose of his soul and asking God to grant him eternal rest.

France secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday.   According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored second-half goals to end Morocco’s impressive World Cup run and keep France’s hopes of winning a third world title alive. Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a superb curling strike after earlier seeing his first-half penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The France captain, who now has eight goals at the tournament, later turned provider, setting up Dembele to double Les Bleus’ advantage in the 66th minute with a composed finish. The victory sends Didier Deschamps’ side into the last four, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas next Tuesday. France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final in what is expected to be Deschamps’ final tournament in charge. Mbappe continued his remarkable World Cup scoring record, taking his tally to 20 goals in 20 appearances at the tournament. His international total also rose to 64 goals in 104 matches for France. Despite enjoying strong support inside the stadium, Morocco struggled to create clear-cut chances, missing the attacking threat of injured forward Ismael Saibari. However, the Atlas Lions exit the tournament after another impressive World Cup campaign and will now turn their attention to co-hosting the 2030 edition alongside Spain and Portugal. France’s disciplined defensive display earned them a third consecutive clean sheet in the knockout rounds as they advanced comfortably into the semi-finals.