The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks arrived in Lagos on Thursday.
A total of 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace flight arranged by the Federal Government as part of its repatriation efforts.
The evacuation flight was originally scheduled for Monday but was delayed to Wednesday due to documentation and processing issues before eventually departing.
The repatriation follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where reports of xenophobic violence have prompted many to seek assistance to return home.
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The Federal Government said more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated willingness to leave South Africa, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the number of Nigerians requesting repatriation has been steadily increasing. She said the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria engaged South African authorities to facilitate the return of affected citizens, including those with immigration-related issues.
According to the minister, arrangements were made to allow Nigerians with unresolved immigration concerns to depart on evacuation flights rather than face detention.
To coordinate the process, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa began screening and documentation of intending returnees. The exercise, initially scheduled to end over the weekend, was extended to accommodate more applicants.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the extension reflected the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians abroad. “This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement said.
The arrival of the first batch marks the start of a broader effort to assist Nigerians affected by the unrest and ensure their safe return.
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