The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived in the country, with 268 returnees touching down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday.
The evacuees were flown home aboard an Air Peace aircraft as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to bring back citizens affected by the unrest and rising anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa.
The flight was initially scheduled to leave South Africa on Monday but was delayed until Wednesday due to documentation and administrative challenges before eventually departing.
The latest repatriation exercise comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa, where incidents of xenophobic violence have forced many to seek assistance to return to their countries.
The Federal Government had earlier disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had indicated interest in returning home, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu had said the number of citizens requesting repatriation was increasing steadily as fears mounted over their safety.
According to her, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had been engaging with South African authorities to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians, including those facing immigration-related challenges.
She explained that arrangements were put in place to ensure that Nigerians with unresolved immigration issues would be allowed to leave the country on evacuation flights instead of being detained.
To streamline the process, officials at the Nigerian Mission in South Africa commenced the screening and documentation of intending returnees.
The exercise, which was initially expected to end over the weekend, was later extended to accommodate the increasing number of Nigerians seeking evacuation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the extension demonstrated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
According to the ministry, protecting citizens outside the country remains a key aspect of Nigeria’s foreign policy and one of the core responsibilities of the ministry.
The arrival of the 268 returnees marks the beginning of a wider evacuation exercise aimed at assisting Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and ensuring their safe return home.
Officials say further evacuation flights are expected as authorities continue efforts to bring back all willing Nigerians from South Africa.
