First Batch of Evacuated Nigerians Arrive in Lagos From South Africa

The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks and rising anti-migrant tensions has arrived in Lagos.

According to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the returnees were flown into the country aboard an Air Peace flight that departed Johannesburg on Wednesday night and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning.

The Ministry disclosed that over 260 Nigerians made up the first batch of evacuees under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme designed to assist citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the evacuation exercise was fully funded by the Federal Government, with arrangements made for the reception, documentation, and reintegration of the returnees upon arrival.

The evacuation follows weeks of growing anti-immigration protests and xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, which prompted hundreds of Nigerians to register for voluntary return. Reports indicate that more than 1,000 Nigerians expressed interest in returning home amid safety concerns.

The Nigerian government had earlier assured citizens in South Africa of its commitment to their welfare and safety while engaging South African authorities on measures to curb the violence and protect foreign nationals.

Officials said additional evacuation flights may be arranged as authorities continue to process Nigerians seeking to return from South Africa.