First Batch Of Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Lands Thursday

The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to receive the first group of Nigerians returning from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, with the evacuees expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the returnees will be flown from Johannesburg on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace aircraft deployed specifically for the evacuation exercise.

The flight is scheduled to touch down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5:00 a.m., marking the commencement of a government-backed repatriation programme for citizens affected by the unrest.

The evacuation is being carried out at no cost to the returnees, with the Federal Government bearing the full expenses of the operation.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said all logistical arrangements had been finalised to ensure a smooth reception process upon the arrival of the evacuees.

He noted that officials from relevant government agencies would conduct documentation and profiling procedures before the returnees are reunited with their families and linked to available support services.

The repatriation follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa amid reports of fresh attacks and intimidation targeting foreign nationals.

While South Africa remains home to a large Nigerian community involved in business, education and professional careers, recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence have continued to threaten the security and livelihoods of migrants.

Previous incidents, particularly the widespread attacks of 2019, resulted in deaths, injuries and the destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals, prompting similar evacuation efforts by the Nigerian government.

Officials said agencies responsible for migration management, emergency response and social welfare have been mobilised to support the arriving citizens and ensure a seamless reintegration process.

The government also reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, assuring citizens still in South Africa that it remains in contact with local authorities and is closely monitoring the situation.

For many of those on the inaugural flight, the journey home will end days of uncertainty, while once again drawing attention to the persistent challenge of xenophobic violence that has periodically strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa.