The Federal Government has evacuated the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals from the Republic of South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, in a coordinated emergency operation that landed them safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning.
The special evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, arrived at about 10:25 a.m., marking the first phase of a broader repatriation exercise expected to continue in the coming days.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad in times of crisis.
The returnees were escorted from South Africa by officials of the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Alexander Ajayi. They were received on arrival by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who represented the Federal Government.
The Minister conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring the evacuees that their safety and dignity remain a top priority of the administration.
He described the evacuation as a clear demonstration of a citizen-centred foreign policy, stressing that Nigeria “will not stand idly by while its citizens are subjected to attacks or harassment anywhere in the world.”
The operation was jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant federal agencies, including the aviation, humanitarian, immigration, health, and security sectors.
Officials confirmed that the evacuees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling, and medical screening upon arrival. Temporary accommodation has also been arranged before their reintegration with families.
The government further disclosed that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are ongoing at the highest level to address the root causes of the violence and ensure stronger protection for Nigerians still residing in the country.
Authorities urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and to promptly report security threats to the Nigerian Mission, assuring that efforts are underway to secure additional evacuation flights if necessary.
