The fourth batch of Nigerians who opted to return home from South Africa following rising xenophobic tensions has arrived in the country.
The evacuees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday aboard an Air Peace flight arranged as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation exercise.
The latest group consisted of 271 Nigerians who voluntarily chose to leave South Africa amid growing concerns over hostility towards foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier announced that the evacuation flight would depart Johannesburg at midnight on Thursday and arrive in Lagos on Friday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry confirmed that the operation formed part of efforts by the Federal Government to assist Nigerians willing to return home in the wake of recent developments in South Africa.
The arrival of the latest batch brings the number of Nigerians evacuated under the program to more than 860.
The first evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on June 9 with 258 returnees on board. A second batch brought back 66 Nigerians, while the third evacuation exercise saw 269 citizens return to the country.
The evacuation program was initiated following renewed concerns over xenophobic sentiments and anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa.
On June 30, groups of South African citizens reportedly staged demonstrations, calling for foreign nationals to leave the country. The protests reignited fears among migrant communities, including Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
The issue of xenophobia has remained a recurring source of tension between Nigeria and South Africa over the years, with previous outbreaks of violence and attacks on foreign nationals prompting diplomatic interventions and emergency evacuations.
Nigerian authorities have continued to monitor the situation while providing support for citizens affected by the developments.
The Federal Government has maintained that the evacuation exercise is voluntary and aimed at assisting Nigerians who feel unsafe or wish to return home due to the prevailing circumstances.
With the arrival of the fourth batch, authorities are expected to continue assessing the situation in South Africa and determine whether additional evacuation flights may be required for other Nigerians seeking to return.
The returnees were received at the airport as part of the government’s efforts to ensure their safe reintegration after leaving South Africa amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic tensions.
