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Belgorod: Thousands evacuated in Russia as Ukraine increases military activity

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Ukraine's President Zelenskiy looks at an F-16 fighting aircraft marking the Day of the Ukrainian Air Forces in an undisclosed location in Ukraine © via REUTERS

Russia on Monday began evacuating civilians in a second border region as Ukraine continued its surprise offensive inside the country.

Kyiv increased activity near the border just days after its biggest incursion into Russian territory since 2022.

A Russian official said 11,000 people in the Belgorod region have been told they must leave their homes because of military action.

District administration head Andrey Miskov said on social media that residents were moved on buses headed for temporary accommodation.

Around 500 people remain, he said.

The entire region is reportedly under a missile alert amid the threat from Ukrainian troops.

Ukrainian forces rammed through the Russian border last Tuesday, sweeping across some Western parts of Russia’s Kursk region and advancing up to 18 miles.

It is the deepest incursion into Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Apparently caught by surprise, Russia by Sunday had stabilised the front in the Kursk region, though Ukraine had carved out a sliver of territory where battles were continuing on Monday, according to Russian war bloggers.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the incursion into Russian territory was to “restore justice” and pressure Moscow’s forces.

In the neighbouring Belgorod region to the south, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said evacuations had begun from the Krasnaya Yaruga District due to “enemy activity on the border”.

“I am sure that our servicemen will do everything to cope with the threat that has arisen,” Mr Gladkov said.

“We are starting to move people who live in the Krasnaya Yaruga district to safer places.”

Vladimir Putin’s army has imposed a tight security regime in the Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod regions.

Its ally Belarus said it was bolstering its troop numbers at its border after Minsk said Ukraine had violated its airspace with drones.

Russian officials claim Ukraine’s attacks on Russian sovereign territory are aimed at showing its Western supporters that Kyiv can still muster major military operations while trying to gain a bargaining chip ahead of possible ceasefire talks.

Five Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Belgorod overnight, 11 over Kursk and two over Voronezh, according to Russia’s defence ministry, which said it was repelling Ukrainian attacks inside Russia.

It listed considerable heavy weaponry including tanks which it said it had destroyed.

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Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

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The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.

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NAF Pledges Support for Strengthening Training Institutions to Produce Battle-Ready Officers

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By Our Correspondent

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged its support toward enhancing the nation’s military training institutions to ensure the production of highly skilled, professional, and battle-ready officers capable of addressing today’s evolving security challenges.

This commitment was highlighted during a recent assessment tour of key NAF training facilities, where senior Air Force officials stressed that the complexities of modern warfare require a higher level of preparedness from military personnel. They noted that operational success now depends on advanced technical competence, strategic leadership, and effective collaboration across the armed forces.

According to NAF leadership, several reforms are already underway to improve the quality of military education and training. These include curriculum upgrades, expansion of infrastructure, and the integration of modern training technologies such as digital simulations and mission-planning systems. The Air Force is also investing in enhanced instructor development to ensure officers receive world-class mentorship and combat readiness training.

The NAF further emphasized the importance of synergy among Nigeria’s military institutions and security agencies, noting that joint efforts are essential to preparing officers for multi-domain operations across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space fronts.

With these ongoing initiatives, the NAF says it remains committed to boosting professionalism within its ranks and strengthening the nation’s overall defense capability against insurgency, banditry, and other emerging threats.

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Nigeria Moves to Secure Jonathan’s Safe Return as Guinea-Bissau Crisis Deepens

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The Federal Government has activated urgent diplomatic and security channels to guarantee the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan from Guinea Bissau, where a sudden military takeover has created political uncertainty.

Jonathan, who was in the country on a peace and democracy mission, became caught in the unfolding crisis after military officers seized control, suspended the electoral process, and detained several top officials. The development raised concerns within Nigeria’s diplomatic and security circles, prompting swift intervention from Abuja.

According to senior government sources, Nigeria is working with regional partners including ECOWAS and the African Union to ensure Jonathan’s safety and arrange his return. Officials confirmed that a coordinated evacuation plan is already in progress, with Nigeria’s security and foreign affairs teams maintaining communication with counterparts on the ground.

The House of Representatives increased the pressure earlier in the week when lawmakers passed a resolution calling on the Federal Government to use all necessary diplomatic methods to secure Jonathan’s return. They stressed that the safety of the former president, who continues to play a major role in promoting peace in the region, remains a national priority.

Beyond the concern for Jonathan, the Federal Government restated its condemnation of the military takeover, describing it as a threat to stability in West Africa. Nigeria has pledged to support multilateral efforts to restore constitutional order in Guinea Bissau and prevent further instability.

As the situation in Bissau continues to unfold, the Nigerian government assures the public that Jonathan is safe and that discussions with international partners are ongoing. Officials remain hopeful that the former president will return to Nigeria soon.

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