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The fourth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid ongoing xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant violence has arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The returnees, transported aboard an Air Peace flight, comprised 272 adults and 12 infants, as part of the Federal Government’s voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who opted to return home following the worsening security situation.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the latest evacuation follows three earlier flights that had already brought hundreds of Nigerians back to the country. The ministry said the operation is being coordinated in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Air Peace, and other relevant agencies to ensure the safe and orderly return of affected citizens. The government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad while continuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities over the attacks.
The evacuation exercise was launched after renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa claimed the lives of two Nigerians and forced many others to flee their homes and businesses. With the arrival of the latest batch, the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the ongoing exercise has exceeded 1,100. The Federal Government has assured returnees of continued support as they are reintegrated into society while calling on South Africa to ensure the safety of foreign nationals within its borders.
