The first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The returnees were brought home as part of the Federal Government’s evacuation programme for Nigerians who opted for voluntary repatriation.
The evacuation was approved by President Bola Tinubu, who authorized five Air Peace evacuation flights to bring affected Nigerians back home. The returnees underwent documentation and profiling procedures upon arrival before being reunited with their families.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary return from South Africa amid growing concerns over anti-immigrant protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government. Officials from agencies including NEMA, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NiDCOM, and FAAN were also mobilized to support the arrival process.
The repatriation follows weeks of rising tensions in South Africa, where anti-immigration demonstrations have led to violence, displacement, and fears among foreign nationals. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks and pledged action against groups involved in xenophobic violence.
Additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as Nigeria continues efforts to assist citizens who wish to leave South Africa.
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