FG evacuates 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa over xenophobic attacks

The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of its voluntary evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated to 1,490.

The latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday with 305 returnees, while three Nigerian government officials accompanied the passengers after coordinating the exercise in Johannesburg.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the ministry, the Air Peace aircraft departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time and landed in Lagos at 11:30 a.m., marking the successful conclusion of the fifth evacuation exercise.

It stated that the government had now evacuated a total of 1,490 Nigerians through coordinated humanitarian flights conducted in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways.

The ministry said the evacuation programme comprised 258 returnees on the first Air Peace flight on June 10, 66 evacuees transported by South African Airways on June 24, 272 returnees on the second Air Peace flight on June 30, 268 on the third Air Peace flight on July 2, 282 on the fourth Air Peace flight on July 9, 39 evacuees flown by South African Airways on July 11, and 305 returnees on the fifth Air Peace flight on July 15.

It explained that the evacuation followed sustained engagement between the Nigerian and South African governments in response to security concerns arising from ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

The ministry said the exercise was coordinated through collaboration between the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Port Health Services and other relevant agencies to ensure seamless registration, departure and reception of the returnees.

The Federal Government also commended Air Peace for what it described as its patriotism and continued partnership throughout the evacuation programme.

According to the ministry, the evacuation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to its Citizens’ Diplomacy policy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy.

While reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding bilateral relations with South Africa, the Federal Government condemned xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals, saying it would continue to engage the South African authorities through diplomatic channels to promote the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.

The ministry further assured Nigerians living overseas of continued consular protection through proactive diplomatic engagement and strengthened collaboration with host governments.

It also urged Nigerians abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with Nigerian missions to enable prompt assistance whenever necessary.

The Federal Government welcomed the returnees and assured them of continued support through relevant government agencies to facilitate their reintegration into society.