Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first batch of affected Nigerians is scheduled to depart from Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace flight.

The evacuees are expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.

The ministry disclosed that the evacuation exercise is being fully funded by the Federal Government, stressing that no affected Nigerian will bear any cost for the journey back home.

Authorities also assured that comprehensive arrangements have been made to receive the returnees upon arrival. The government said relevant ministries, departments and agencies have been mobilized to provide support services, including documentation, profiling and other forms of assistance before the evacuees are reunited with their families.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens abroad and pledged to continue monitoring the situation in South Africa.

The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.