The Federal Government has announced that another evacuation flight from South Africa will arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, bringing home 271 Nigerians who voluntarily registered to return following fears of renewed xenophobic attacks.
The latest operation is part of the government’s ongoing evacuation programme introduced after concerns grew over planned anti-immigration protests in South Africa.
Officials say the protests could increase the risk of attacks on undocumented foreign nationals and other migrants living in the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday to transport the returnees back to the country.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that the aircraft was expected to arrive in Johannesburg at about 9:00 p.m. South African time before departing shortly after midnight for Lagos.
He said the return flight is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday morning with 271 Nigerians on board.
Government Continues Voluntary Evacuation Programme
The Federal Government said the latest evacuation flight from South Africa reflects its commitment to protecting Nigerians who have decided to leave the country because of the current security concerns.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the evacuation remains voluntary and is intended for citizens who no longer feel safe staying in South Africa following reports of possible xenophobic violence.
The ministry also appealed to Nigerians who have chosen to remain in South Africa to stay calm, remain security conscious and avoid areas where demonstrations are expected to take place.
Officials further advised Nigerians to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for security updates, emergency assistance and other official information.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the government will continue to monitor the situation closely while working with South African authorities to safeguard citizens.
Total Evacuees Expected to Reach 599
The arrival of Tuesday’s flight will increase the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the current programme to 599.
Earlier this month, the first evacuation exercise successfully returned 262 Nigerians to Lagos, while another 66 citizens arrived during the second phase of the operation.
The Federal Government had approved multiple evacuation flights after hundreds of Nigerians expressed interest in returning home as concerns over possible xenophobic attacks intensified.
As registration for the programme continued, government officials confirmed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had indicated their willingness to participate in the voluntary evacuation exercise.
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Meanwhile, South African authorities have condemned calls encouraging attacks on foreign nationals and stated that security agencies have been deployed to maintain law and order during the planned demonstrations.
The Nigerian government said it will continue collaborating with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country while providing additional voluntary evacuation opportunities for those wishing to return home.
