FG To Evacuate 271 More Nigerians From South Africa Tuesday

The Federal Government will continue its voluntary evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with 271 citizens expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace flight.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aircraft will depart Nigeria at 3:00 p.m. on Monday for South Africa and is scheduled to leave Johannesburg at midnight, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning with the returnees.

The latest evacuation is part of the government’s ongoing repatriation programme launched in response to renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration tensions in parts of South Africa, which prompted hundreds of Nigerians to seek assistance to return home.

More than 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for the voluntary evacuation exercise.

The programme began earlier this month when the first batch of evacuees was flown back to Nigeria aboard an Air Peace aircraft. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 258 Nigerians arrived in Lagos during the initial operation, although other reports placed the number between 262 and 268, including accompanying officials.

Last week, the Federal Government also evacuated 66 Nigerians from South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to assisting citizens who voluntarily choose to return home due to security concerns.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation exercise reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and providing timely consular assistance during periods of crisis.

The latest update was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.