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African Countries Evacuate Nationals Amidst Israel-Iran Tensions

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African Countries Evacuate Nationals Amidst Israel-Iran Tensions

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran following renewed military confrontations that began on June 13, several African countries have initiated evacuation procedures for their nationals.

The latest crisis, which saw Iran launch missiles into Israel and Israel target nuclear and military facilities inside Iran, has resulted in significant casualties.

Iran’s health ministry confirmed over 220 deaths, while Israeli authorities say 24 people have died from retaliatory attacks.

Here is a detailed look—based on reporting by BBC News Pidgin at the evacuation responses of African governments:

Nigeria

The Nigerian government says it is finalising plans to evacuate its citizens from the affected regions. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that authorities are working with international partners to ensure the safe and timely return of Nigerians. Citizens in Israel and Iran are advised to reach out to Nigerian embassies or consulates in nearby countries for further guidance.

The spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Tuesday, June 17 said: “The ministry wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalizing arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.

“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by the necessary security protocols and do well to contact the nearest Nigerian embassy for registration and further instructions.

“The ministry commends the efforts put in place by our missions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian community at this difficult time.

“We wish to reassure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens both at home and abroad and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in the affected areas.”

Ebienfa added that in the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterated its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties involved to embrace dlalogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.

He said Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to global peace and stability, adding that further updates will be provided through official channels as events unfold.

Ghana

Ghana has already begun evacuating its nationals from Iran. This has seen the Ghanaian government shutting down its embassy in Tehran while confirming that diplomats, students, professionals, and other citizens are being moved out through land borders.

In Israel, however, evacuation has been delayed due to border closures. The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that movement is only possible with approval from Israeli authorities. Citizens are currently being told to remain in bomb shelters.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Government of Ghana expresses its serious concern over the military escalation between Israel and Iran, following the military strikes undertaken by the State of Israel on Iranian territory on 13 June 2025.

“Ghana calls upon the partics to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize dialogue, and accept the channels of diplomatic facilitation to de-escalate the situation. Ghana further calls upon the parties to reaffirm their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law.

“Ghana urges the parties to urgently recommit to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and to respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of each other. Ghana stands ready to support a unified response of the international community to de-escalate the conflict to prevent its spread, abate the further destabilisation of the Middle East, and contain the unfolding threat to international peace and security.”

According to the Ghanaian embassy in Israel, 922 Ghanaians are officially residing in the country. One Ghanaian resident told *BBC News Pidgin* that they rely on automated alerts from Israel’s defence ministry to seek shelter during missile attacks, most of which occur at night.

Uganda

Uganda is coordinating evacuations through third-party countries, as it has no embassies in either Israel or Iran. According to *Chimp Reports*, the Ugandan government has contacted Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Jordan to request visas for its nationals fleeing the conflict zones.

As of now, 48 Ugandan students have begun leaving Tehran. Uganda’s foreign ministry has tasked its diplomatic missions in the region with overseeing the evacuation process.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday said in a statement on its official X account: “The Government of
The Uganda Embassy in Tehran has successfully coordinated the evacuation of two diplomatic staff who had remained in Tehran, and 42 Ugandan students to Turkiye following the outbreak of conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel that broke out on 13th June 2025.

“The evacuations were managed by the Embassy having set up an emergency evacuation coordination centre in neighbouring Turkey where, in cooperation with the Embassy in Ankara and guidance from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Ugandans in Iran were registered for evacuations, land transport arranged and the Republic of Turkey requested and accepted to issue visas on arrival yo enable emergency evacuation of the affected Ugandans back home through Turkey.

“The Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre is being overseen by Amb. Twaha Matata, Charge d’Affaires a.i, assisted by Mr. Oscar J. Edule, Minister Counsellor and Mr. Agaba Mark, Financial Attaché, Uganda Embassy Tehran. This centre will continue to operate until all Ugandans in the Islamic Republic of Iran are repatriated to Uganda.

“The evacuated nationals were received at the Bargarzan border by Mr. Julius Malinga, Second Secretary, Ms. Zainah Nabirye, Uganda Embassy in Tehran and Mr. Mubarak Daka from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara on Wednesday, 18th June 2025. They are being transferred today to Istanbul, where they are expected to be conveyed to Uganda on a commercial chartered aircraft.

“Registration and coordination efforts continue to be undertaken for other Ugandan nationals still inside Iran, with the aim of safely guiding, supporting, and ensuring their safe exit and return to Uganda.”

Kenya

The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not started evacuations but issued a strong advisory urging its citizens in Israel and Iran to take extreme precautions. Citizens have been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors, and follow local authorities’ instructions. Kenyans in distress have been directed to contact their missions in Tel Aviv or Tehran for emergency assistance.

South Africa

South Africa’s foreign ministry earlier asked its citizens in Iran to register with the country’s embassy. The government, however, warned that its consular support is limited and that it may not be able to offer assistance during emergencies. The ministry encouraged South African nationals to evaluate their own safety and act accordingly.

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BREAKING: KWAM 1 Writes Ogun Govt, Accuses Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Plot to Exclude Him From Awujale Selection

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Popular Fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM1, has written to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, alleging that he is being deliberately sidelined from the ongoing process to select the next Awujale of Ijebu land.

Ayinde, in a petition dated January 8, 2026, accused the Fusengbuwa ruling house next in line to produce the monarch of taking actions that allegedly violate the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State. He claimed the moves were designed to disenfranchise him from contesting for the revered throne.

The letter, written on his behalf by his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, was addressed to Governor Abiodun and outlined what the Fuji star described as procedural irregularities in the selection process.

According to the petition, the contest for the Awujale stool has attracted over 60 aspirants, with Ayinde formally declaring his interest. However, the Fusengbuwa family has maintained that KWAM1 is not a member of the ruling house and is therefore ineligible to participate in the exercise.

Before writing to the governor, Ayinde had approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from continuing with the selection process. The court, however, dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit. The musician later withdrew the suit without publicly stating his reasons.

In his latest letter, Ayinde disclosed that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, via a letter dated January 6, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, had approved the commencement of the selection process by the ruling house.

He expressed surprise that while members of the Fusengbuwa family were preparing for a general meeting, the family’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, allegedly issued a notice directing aspirants to collect nomination forms and appear before a screening committee.

The screening committee, according to Ayinde, is chaired by Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga. He further alleged that the directive fixed the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026, while also stating that the process would be conducted by delegates to be selected at a meeting scheduled for January 10, 2026.

Ayinde argued that the sequence of events was confusing, contradictory, and contrary to established laws guiding traditional chieftaincy matters in Ogun State.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ogun State Government nor the Fusengbuwa ruling house had officially responded to the allegations.

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Awujale succession process and provide updates as the story unfolds.

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“Do Not Test Trump’s Resolve”: US Issues Fresh Threat To Nigeria

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A United States Congressman, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has warned Nigeria not to take the resolve of President Donald Trump with levity, adding that the US president remained steadfast in his bid to protect Christians in Nigeria, while reiterating the false allegation that Christians have continued to face prosecution in the West African country.

Moore’s warning came days after the US president issued another military action in Nigeria, adding that he would not be carrying out a single operation in Nigeria if the alleged Christian persecution continues in the country.

The threat came days after the United States launched a military strike in Sokoto, targeting some terrorist hideouts in the country. The strike affected other states such as Niger and Kwara.

However, Trump, in an interview with The New York Times, published on Thursday, January 8, while responding to questions about a US military strike carried out in Nigeria on Christmas Day, said: “I’d love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” Trump said.

Moore took to social media to reiterate Trump’s second threat to the country and warned Nigeria against overlooking the threat. His warning did not sit well with many Nigerians, who took to the comment section of the post and expressed their views about his claim. Below are some of their comments:

Omolayo accused the US of bombing a Christian country, Venezuela, and stealing its oil: “What about Venezuela, which is 80% Christian? Trump doesn’t care about Christians, but I grudgingly welcome his presence in the northern part of Nigeria.”

Umar Yusuf Dayyabu knocked the US: “The same US that just finished bombing a Christian country (Venezuela) and is currently stealing their oil is now claiming to want to save Christians in Nigeria. The US only wants our natural resources, that’s it.”

Amadu Yahuza accused the Trump administration of imperialism: “Let’s be clear: if the U.S. is claiming to defend Christians in Nigeria but simultaneously tightens visa access for Nigerians broadly, including Christians, that is not solidarity, it’s hypocrisy. Trump’s statements about Nigerian Christians are political branding, while visa restrictions, federal actions, and international messaging are geopolitical moves.”

Garvy accused the lawmaker of turning a blind eye to the killing of Christians in the US: “I guess you were blind to Christians murdered right in front of your nose in Salt Lake City, and you were blind to that. Suppose their lives don’t matter, right?”

You can read more reactions on X here:

 

 

 

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Buhari’s Ex-Minister Pantami Breaks Silence Over Alleged Wedding Plan With Aisha Buhari

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False claims linking former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, with former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, have been dismissed after an independent verification found the story to be entirely fabricated.

The rumour, which spread rapidly across Facebook and X, alleged that the two were planning a marriage and circulated alongside an image described online as a pre wedding photograph.

The post gained wide traction after several users pointed to Aisha Buhari’s completion of her Islamic mourning period following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2025.

Public figures also reshared the image, drawing thousands of comments and reactions and fuelling speculation among social media users.

A fact check carried out by PRNigeria found no credible evidence supporting the claim. Reviews of the verified social media accounts of both Pantami and Aisha Buhari showed no statements or references linked to any marriage plan. Searches across reputable news platforms also returned no matching reports.

Further forensic analysis subjected the viral photograph to InVid verification and artificial intelligence detection tools. The assessment confirmed that the image was digitally manipulated and generated through artificial means, with faces inserted into a wedding-themed template.

Pantami addressed the allegation directly in a phone conversation with PRNigeria.

“It is shocking that anyone would fabricate such a rumour. President Buhari is a father figure to us, and we regard his widow as a mother. The claim is baseless and impossible,” he said.

Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to the late president, also rejected the story on his Facebook page in Hausa.

“The story being circulated that Hajiya Aisha Buhari has agreed to marry Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami is an outright lie. There is absolutely no truth in it whatsoever,” Ahmad wrote.

Additional context emerged from a recently released biography titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole and launched at the State House in December 2025. The book records Aisha Buhari as stating clearly that she has no intention of remarrying, citing family responsibilities and a desire for a quieter public life.

The former president died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. He married Aisha Buhari in 1989 and is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. Speculation around her personal life increased online after she completed the traditional mourning period in November 2025.

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