The final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived safely in Lagos, bringing an end to the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme launched in response to rising xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration tensions in the southern African nation.
The returnees arrived on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace flight, which touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 11:28 a.m., marking the conclusion of the nationwide evacuation exercise.
The latest flight follows six earlier evacuation operations that successfully brought hundreds of stranded Nigerians back home after growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Federal Government initiated the exercise to assist Nigerians who voluntarily opted to leave South Africa amid reports of renewed hostility, xenophobic violence, and anti-immigrant sentiments.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the evacuation programme earlier this month, directing relevant government agencies to ensure that every Nigerian wishing to return home was given the opportunity to do so safely and with dignity.
Before the final flight, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that more than 500 Nigerians had been screened for repatriation, with Air Peace designated to transport the evacuees back to Nigeria.
According to the ministry, the evacuation exercise was designed to guarantee the safe and orderly return of all registered Nigerians affected by the worsening security situation in South Africa.
The operation was coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with Air Peace and other relevant agencies responsible for immigration, foreign affairs, and emergency response.
The repatriation exercise comes amid persistent concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa, incidents that have repeatedly strained diplomatic relations between both countries over the years.
Many of the returnees are expected to reunite with their families while relevant government agencies continue discussions on possible reintegration and support measures for those affected.
The successful completion of the evacuation programme highlights Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad during periods of crisis while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over the recurring issue of xenophobic violence
