Maha Christopher
The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government begins the repatriation of affected citizens.
According to The Punch, a total of 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight arranged by the Federal Government.
The evacuation marks the start of a broader repatriation exercise aimed at assisting Nigerians who have expressed concerns over their safety amid rising anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa.
The flight was initially scheduled to depart earlier in the week but was delayed due to documentation and processing challenges before eventually leaving Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Government officials have disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated their willingness to return home, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier stated that requests for repatriation were increasing as more Nigerians sought assistance from the country’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
She explained that Nigerian authorities had engaged their South African counterparts to facilitate the smooth departure of affected citizens, including individuals with unresolved immigration issues.
According to the minister, arrangements were made to ensure that such individuals could leave the country through the evacuation programme rather than face detention or other immigration complications.
To support the exercise, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa conducted screening and documentation of intending returnees, extending the process to accommodate the growing number of applicants.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the repatriation effort reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring their welfare during periods of crisis.
Officials said the arrival of the first group signals the beginning of a wider operation designed to provide safe passage for Nigerians affected by the unrest and help them reintegrate upon their return home.
