
News
Nigerian air travellers stranded as US, Israel battle Iran
Nigerians attempting to travel to or from Qatar, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are stranded following the ongoing United States and Israel war against Iran.
The situation has forced carriers, including Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, Air Algerie, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa to announce mass flight cancellations.
After the airstrikes against Iran, the latter attacked US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, among others.
Passengers attempting to travel through Qatar Airways outbound from Nigeria were stopped from flying on Saturday morning.
Airspaces shut

Many flights across Middle East countries were cancelled on Saturday, as several countries shut their airspaces after the US, Israel and Iran launched attacks and counterattacks.
The civil aviation authority said Syria closed part of its airspace in the south along the border with Israel for 12 hours.
Jordan’s Air Force was said to be conducting drills to defend the kingdom’s skies.
Kuwait closed its airspace, with its military later saying it had engaged incoming missiles.
Russia’s air transport authority, Rosaviatsia, said it was cancelling all commercial flights to both Israel and Iran in the wake of the strikes until further notice.
Nigerian passengers stuck
Earlier on Saturday, passengers who were already onboard a Qatar Airways flight told Sunday PUNCH that the airline deboarded all passengers over claims that the airspace in Doha had been closed.
One of them said, “I had planned so many things around this trip. Suddenly, they announced that the airport in Doha is not responding, and honestly, I don’t even understand what that means. I’m wondering if they can reroute us through another destination without passing through Doha. This situation is really painful.”
Another passenger, who was travelling with a family member, said, “With this development, only God knows when my sister will be able to return to school. We understand this is a genuine situation, but it is really painful.”
Qatar Airways Group, in a statement on Saturday, announced a temporary suspension of flights due to Qatari airspace closure.
The aviation company stressed the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The statement partly read, “The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Also, Air India suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East.
Speaking through its X account, the airline said, “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”
The Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunyeye, confirmed that outbound airlines were beginning to cancel flights following the closure of airspaces in the troubled zones.
Ogunyeye said, “It is an unfortunate situation that we have currently in the world; more trouble to travel experience and people will start having less confidence in safety in their travel via air. As we all know, in the sky there is no parking space when things happen, so it’s quite sad, but we only hope that things will soon come back to normal.
“Today, Qatar cancelled, Emirates cancelled because they don’t want to take any risk and in aviation, safety comes first. We don’t take risks, not even when we don’t know how much things can escalate. We can only pray that things get better fast and peace comes back to reign in the troubled regions.”
Also, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents, Yinka Folami, said passengers had become stuck after the cancellation of their travel plans.
He said, “Yes, airlines have started turning passengers back home. Just this morning, Qatar Airways asked passengers to disembark and return home because the airspaces have been shut. There are dangers in the airspace and you know safety is most paramount in aviation.”
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, in a statement on Saturday, warned that ongoing restrictions were affecting international flight operations to and from Nigeria.
According to the agency, several scheduled flights linking Nigerian airports with Middle Eastern destinations have either been cancelled or delayed as airlines adjust routes to avoid conflict zones.
FAAN advised affected passengers to maintain direct communication with their airlines for updated information.
The statement partly read, “Passengers affected by these disruptions are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for up-to-date information on flight status, rebooking options and further guidance.”
The agency said it was working closely with international aviation regulators and airline operators to track developments and ensure passenger safety remained paramount.
“FAAN continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with relevant aviation authorities and airline operators and will provide updates as necessary.
“We regret the inconvenience and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the travelling public,” the authority added.
The United States and Israel have struck multiple locations across Iran, including the capital, Tehran, in what US President Donald Trump described as ‘major combat operations’.
The attacks started after failed negotiations between the US and Iran over the latter’s suspected nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
This was after weeks of mounting threats from Trump and eight months after the US and Israel waged a 12-day war against Iran.
Iran has struck back with missiles aimed at northern Israel and at US military bases in the Middle East.
Details of casualties and damage in Iran and Israel are sparse at the moment.
FG warns Nigerians in Iran, Gulf states
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has warned Nigerians residing in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries.
In a release on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government was closely monitoring the “evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East.”
The ministry cautioned that the heightened tension could lead to further escalation, urging Nigerians in affected areas to take precautionary measures.
The government advised Nigerians to maintain constant vigilance and avoid sensitive locations.
“Avoid areas known to be strategic, military, or government installations, as these could be potential flashpoints,” the ministry said.
“It is strongly recommended that Nigerians restrict non-essential movement and travel within the country until the security situation becomes clearer and stabilises. Avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.
“Citizens are strongly advised to strictly comply with all security and safety directives issued by the local authorities to ensure their safety. Remember that cooperation with local law enforcement is paramount for safety,” the statement said.
Nigerians were also encouraged to stay informed through credible sources and avoid misinformation.
The ministry disclosed that Nigerian embassies in Tehran and neighbouring Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, had been asked to provide consular support.
The ministry assured Nigerians that it would continue to assess the situation and provide updates. (Sunday PUNCH)
News
Gunmen on rampage in Awka: Popular media personality- Isaac Nwosu shot dead
• Police Commissioner visits family, vows to get perpetrators
By Chuks Collins, Awka
Some yet to be identified three-man assassins suspected to be cultists have k!lled a very popular media personality in Awka Sunday afternoon.
The popular public announcer and broadcaster/radio guest artiste, comedian -Isaac Nwosu, aka ‘Aiza Nwosu’, was according to eye witnesses shot point while on the steering on the street of the Anambra capital city of Awka.
He was said to have been shot alongside two other victims at separate locations, point-blank, gangster style.
The State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, today 31st August 2026 after a 2-hour closed-door strategic meeting with the Command’s strategic and operational officers as part of ongoing efforts to reassess information from the public especially within Awka to strengthen security operations and sustain the fight against violent crime, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Nwosu.

In his reaction shortly after the visit, Ama vowed to fish out the assailants.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to journalists said the unfortunate acts were apparently by the same assailants on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Late Nwosu was shot along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo area of Awka.
Whereas the other victims were shot dead along Capital City Road, Amaenyi area in Awka.
Eyewitnesses and residents believed the dastardly act. were cult related.
According to one of the witnesses, “The assailants, numbering about three and driving in a tinted vehicle, trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle and before attacking and shooting him dead.
“They left the victim in a pool of blood inside his car. As they drove some distance away, they also shot another victim d3ad by the roadside, dispossessed him of his belongings and fled.
“The assailants fired some shots into the air before leaving the scene in a commando-like manner, thereby creating tension in the area. After they left, the security operatives arrived at the scene and recovered the lifeless bodies of the victims.
“The security operatives later beefed up security around the areas following the incident.”
Some videos circulating online showed the lifeless bodies of the victims lying in pools of blood at different locations as onlookers gathered around the scenes.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, August 31.
News
Kano APC Chairman shot dead by terrorists
Terrorists have shot dead the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, during an attack on the community.
Buba was killed on Sunday night, August 30, 2026, after terrorists reportedly invaded Rantan community and opened fire on residents. Another resident identified as Sulaiman Zunduma was also killed during the attack.
A resident of the community, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying the attack forced residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
According to Hamza, the terrorists shot Buba inside his house before he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He, however, died from the injuries sustained during the attack.
Hamza also said Zunduma was shot during the invasion and died instantly. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims while praying for the recovery of those who sustained injuries.

“On Sunday night kidnappers attacked our town, Rantan, where they shot Alhaji Garab Buha, the APC ward chairman in Rantan, who later died in a hospital. They also killed another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma,” Hamza said.
The development was also confirmed by the Kano State APC spokesperson, Alhaji Auwalu Soja, who said Buba was killed on Sunday. He added that the party would issue an official statement on the incident.
The killing occurred less than 24 hours after another attack in the area, where three residents of Garun-Mallam were reportedly killed by unidentified attackers. The successive attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in communities around the area.
The latest killing has further raised concerns over the safety of residents in Kano communities, with calls growing for security agencies to strengthen operations and prevent further attacks.
As of the time of this report, the identities and motives of those responsible for the Rantan attack had not been officially established.
News
Ex-Bayelsa Gov, Timipre Sylva dumps APC, gives reasons
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, citing what he described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He said he made the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had disappointed most Nigerians and expressing confidence that voters would seek a change in the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, which was electronically delivered, Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders appeared to believe that “all is fair in politics.”

He wrote, “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.
“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.
“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.”
The former governor said the APC-led government had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, adding that he saw no realistic effort to change its direction.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he said.
Sylva said he had therefore decided to leave the party rather than remain part of what he described as a “floundering ship.”
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities. I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he stated.
Sylva also explained why he copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in his resignation letter.
He said he knew the decision could lead to increased scrutiny of him and his associates but was prepared to face the consequences.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
Copies of the resignation letter were also sent to the National Chairman of the APC, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and the APC Chairman in Bayelsa State.
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