The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with at least 270 citizens expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said the evacuees are scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Federal Government is fully funding the evacuation exercise and has put in place arrangements for the reception, documentation, and profiling of the returnees upon their arrival in Nigeria.
The ministry noted that the evacuation process experienced delays due to extensive logistical arrangements and screening procedures involving more than 1,000 Nigerians who had expressed interest in returning home.
The government said the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation while working closely with relevant agencies to provide support and reintegration assistance for the returnees.
The evacuation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad amid growing concerns over recurring incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
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