NEMA receives 150 Nigerians from Chad 

The National Emergency Management Agency has received 150 Nigerians repatriated from Chad, following a voluntary repatriation facilitated by the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration. The repatraited Nigerians consisting of 23 males, 48 females, 71 children, and eight infants, arrived at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, aboard an Air Cargo flight with registration number SU-BUR. This development was announced by NEMA in a post on X.com on Wednesday The post reads: “150 distressed Nigerians have been repatriated back to Nigeria from Chad. “The Nigerians were assisted back in a voluntary repatriation exercise programme by the United Nation’s International Organisation for Migrationon Tuesday 14th May, 2024. “The flight Air Cargo with registration number SU- BUR landed at the Cargo Wing of Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 2030 hours. “The profiles of the returnees indicate that 23 males, 48 females, 71 children and eight infants arrived Nigeria aboard the flight.” According to the statement, some of the returnees demonstrated their joy for the success of their return back to Nigeria.  Agencies on the ground to receive the Nigerians were NEMA, Immigration Services, Nigeria Port Health Services FAAN, and Nigeria Refugee Commission.”

Security Tightened in Chad’s Capital Amidst Rising Tensions

Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, is witnessing heightened security measures with roadblocks and military deployment around the Socialist Party Without Borders’ headquarters, following a deadly attack on the security agency. The junta-led government accused the opposition party of orchestrating the assault. Soldiers surrounded the PSF headquarters, led by Yaya Dillo, a cousin of transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.  The attack near the party’s HQ adds to the escalating tensions between the government and opposition. Access to the presidential palace has been restricted, and schools in central N’Djamena are closed.  The telephone network has been facing disruptions since Wednesday, while mobile internet access remained suspended. Yaya Dillo denied any involvement in the security agency attack, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated lies. The government had accused a PSF member of an “assassination attempt against the president of the supreme court.” Despite the turmoil, Chad announced a presidential election on May 6, contested by both Deby Itno and Dillo. The transitional president, Mahamat Deby Itno, initially pledged a return to civilian rule but later extended the transition period by two years.