The Federal Government has evacuated 258 Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday at about 10:25 a.m. aboard a special Air Peace flight arranged for their safe return to Nigeria.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the evacuation underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they are in the world.
He conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity to the evacuees, assuring them that the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the lives, dignity and welfare of its citizens abroad.
Enikanolaiye explained that the evacuation became necessary in response to security threats arising from the recent attacks, stressing that no Nigerian should be compelled to live under fear or threat due to their nationality.
He added that the exercise reflects Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy and should not be interpreted as an abandonment of diplomatic engagement or international cooperation.
According to him, further evacuation flights may be organised in the coming days as authorities continue to assist Nigerians who wish to return home.
The operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, alongside relevant agencies including the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Aviation and Health, as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service and security authorities.
Officials from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by Acting High Commissioner Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, accompanied the returnees and facilitated their departure.
Enikanolaiye commended diplomatic staff in South Africa for their role in the evacuation process and urged Nigerians still residing in the country to remain vigilant, comply with local laws and promptly report security concerns to the mission.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of Nigerians and address the underlying causes of the attacks.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening, with government arrangements in place for temporary accommodation and welfare support before reintegration with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of Nigerians abroad and called for calm as diplomatic efforts continue to address the situation.
