The Federal Government has announced that the first group of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks will arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the evacuation flight operated by Air Peace is scheduled to depart Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night and land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos by 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11.
The government said it has taken full responsibility for the repatriation process, including funding the operation and making arrangements to receive the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.
Ebienfa explained that the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures immediately after landing. He added that government agencies have been directed to provide necessary assistance and support services before the affected citizens are reunited with their families.
The evacuation exercise was initially planned to commence on Monday but was later postponed. The Ministry attributed the delay to logistical challenges that required additional coordination before the flight could proceed.
The repatriation follows growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The incidents have sparked anxiety among members of the Nigerian community living in the country and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect African migrants.
Government figures indicate that more than 1,000 Nigerians currently residing in South Africa have expressed interest in returning home as fears over their safety continue to rise.
Authorities have assured returning citizens that support mechanisms are in place to ease their reintegration and provide immediate assistance upon arrival in Nigeria.
