International

Anambra Attack: US Set To Work With Enforcement Agencies To Bring Culprits To Justice

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2023

442 Views

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has assured that the country will work with Nigeria Enforcement agencies to bring culprits of Tuesday’s attack on US Mission employees in Anambra State to book.

In a statement on Wednesday, Blinken noted that unknown assailants attacked a convoy of two US government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The convoy was said to have been carrying nine Nigerian nationals, including five employees of the US Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The American government official noted that the Nigerians were travelling in advance of a planned visit by US Mission personnel to a U.S.-funded flood response project in Anambra.

“We do not yet know the motive for the attack, but we have no indications at this time that it was targeted against our Mission,” Blinken stated.

According to him, the assailants killed at least four members of the convoy.

“The US Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for,” he said.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this attack. We will work closely with our Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those responsible to justice.”

The United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of its personnel, the secretary of state maintained.

Expressing “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those killed in the attack, the US pledged to do everything possible to safely recover those who remained missing.

“We deeply value our relationship with our Locally Employed Staff and our partnership with Nigeria. The United States reaffirms its commitment to the people of Nigeria to assist in the fight against violence and insecurity,” he said.

Buhari Saddened About The Attack

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed sympathy over the loss of lives of the two US Mission workers and policemen.

In a condolence message Wednesday, he said he was “very sad” to have heard about the killing of the embassy staff members and the officers accompanying them.

“In this difficult time for the families of those killed, the American Embassy and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, I extend the nation’s condolences over the very sad incident,” the President stated.

Reward For Intel

On behalf of the state and its people, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State “strongly” condemned the attack which he described as heinous and unprovoked.

According to a statement Wednesday by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, he promised that the state government would actively work with the security agencies to smoke out the criminals and bring them to justice.

“We call on anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the criminals to offer same on our secured security phone numbers or to any of the security agencies and such informant will be handsomely rewarded. Investigations are underway,” he said.

Related Topics:Anambra Attack Blinken Featured US

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International

US Releases Full List, Identities of Nigerian, Firms Designated as Terrorist Financiers

Published

9 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Charles Flames

10 Views

The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of facilitating financial support for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and its West Africa affiliate (ISIS-WA).

The designations, issued on June 22, 2026, focus on a Nigerian national and several Lagos- and Kano-based bureau de change (BDC) firms.

According to the US Treasury, these actions aim to disrupt ISIS’s decentralised financial networks that enable the group to move funds across regions, including West Africa, to support terrorist operations.

Key Designations from the US Sanctions List:

Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad (also known as Muhammad Mukhtar Adamu or Adamu Mukhtar Muhammad): A Nigerian national born on August 2 or 3, 1990. He resides at No. 45, Abimbola Street, off Capital Road, by Morcas, Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. Designated as an ISIS-WA financial facilitator who has conducted money transfers on behalf of the group. He holds Nigerian passports A11904741 and A07422697.

Associated Entities (Bureau de Change Firms):

Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited: Based in Lagos, Nigeria. Established January 9, 2019. Registration Number RC 1555604. Owned, controlled, or directed by Muhammad.
Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited: Located at No. 59 Murtala Mohammed Way, Wapa, Kano, Nigeria. Established January 26, 2021.
Nine To Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited: Located at Block 7, FAAN Complex, Airport Road by Beesam Bus Stop, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. Established August 22, 2017. Registration Number RC 1462752.

These entities are accused of acting on behalf of Muhammad to support ISIS-WA activities through money service businesses.

The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended. As a result, all property and interests in property of the designated persons and entities within US jurisdiction are blocked. US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them, and foreign financial institutions risk secondary sanctions for significant dealings.

This latest action forms part of a broader global effort by the US to target ISIS financial facilitators operating in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Nigerian authorities have been intensifying domestic measures against terrorism financing, including their own sanctions lists on BDCs and individuals.

No immediate official reaction from the Nigerian government or the affected individuals was available as of press time. Affected parties can petition OFAC for removal from the list if they meet delisting criteria.

International

US warning Nigerian visa defaulters

” Whether you’re studying, working, or visiting the United States, always honour the terms of your visa. Follow the rules. Stay only for as long as you are authorized. Keep your documents updated,”

Published

21 hours ago

June 23, 2026

OCHEFA

34 Views

The United States Mission in Nigeria has advised Nigerian travellers to comply fully with the terms of their visas, warning that violations could affect their chances of travelling, studying or working in the country in the future.

The mission gave the advice in a message posted on its official X account under the #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, urging visa holders to stay only for the period approved by US immigration authorities.

It said adherence to immigration rules remained important for Nigerians seeking to preserve future opportunities in the United States.“Staying compliant with U.S. immigration laws isn’t just the right thing to do; it protects your future and keeps opportunities open for Nigerian travelers,” the mission said.

The embassy urged visitors, students and workers to keep their travel documents valid, comply with visa conditions and avoid actions that could lead to future ineligibility.

“Whether you’re studying, working, or visiting the United States, always honour the terms of your visa. Follow the rules. Stay only for as long as you are authorized. Keep your documents updated,” the post added.

International

Japan hikes visa fees first time since 1978

The visa fee revisions – the first since 1978 – were made to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”, said Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2026

OCHEFA

39 Views

Japan has implemented a five-fold increase to visa fees for all foreigners, marking the first price hike in nearly 50 years.

From 1 July, single-entry visa fees will be raised from the current 3,000 yen ($18.69; £14) to 15,000 yen, while multi-entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen.

The visa fee revisions – the first since 1978 – were made to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”, said Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

“We do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,” he added.

The Japanese yen has been weakening continually since 2021, and is now hovering near historic 40-year lows.