The first batch of 270 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks is scheduled to touch down in Lagos on Thursday morning.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development on Tuesday. The returnees will travel aboard an Air Peace aircraft departing Johannesburg on Wednesday night and arriving at Murtala Muhammed Airport around 5am. The Federal Government is fully funding the evacuation exercise and will provide documentation, profiling, and immediate support upon arrival. The operation, initially planned for Monday, was delayed for logistical reasons including additional screening processes.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, revealed that over 1,000 Nigerians had participated in screening exercises, with the numbers still increasing. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa successfully secured waivers for some citizens facing immigration hurdles. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is coordinating the reception and reintegration process.
The repatriation follows a wave of xenophobic violence that prompted many Nigerians to opt for voluntary return. The government has assured the safety of remaining citizens through diplomatic channels while urging them to remain vigilant. This latest evacuation underscores ongoing tensions between nationals of different African countries in South Africa and the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its diaspora.
The development has elicited mixed reactions at home, with many commending the swift response while others call for stronger long-term diplomatic strategies to address recurring xenophobia. It also highlights broader challenges of migration, economic opportunities, and regional cooperation within the African continent.
