The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following weeks of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration violence has arrived safely in Lagos.
The returnees, numbering about 258 Nigerians, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight on Thursday morning and were received by government officials led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
According to the Federal Government, the evacuation was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to protect Nigerians affected by the growing wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that more than 1,000 Nigerians had indicated interest in returning home as fears continue to grow over their safety amid the unrest.
Officials assured the returnees that they would undergo documentation, profiling, medical checks, and temporary accommodation arrangements before being reunited with their families.
The latest evacuation follows weeks of anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa, where migrants from several African countries have reportedly faced intimidation, harassment, displacement, and violence. Ghana, Malawi, and Mozambique have also repatriated some of their citizens in recent weeks.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, stressing that no citizen should be forced to live in fear because of their nationality.
Daily Times
