Nigeria Evacuates 258 Citizens from South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks, Vows Stronger Protection for Nationals Abroad

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 258 Nigerian nationals from the Republic of South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, in a coordinated emergency operation that brought the first batch of returnees home on Thursday morning.

The evacuees arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 10:25 a.m. aboard a special flight operated by Air Peace Airlines.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exercise reflects the administration’s renewed commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly in crisis situations.

The returnees were escorted from South Africa by officials of the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria, led by Acting High Commissioner Temitope Alexander Ajayi, and received on arrival by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

The Minister conveyed the goodwill message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring the evacuees of government’s continued commitment to their safety, dignity, and welfare.

Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the evacuation was jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with relevant agencies, including immigration, aviation, health, humanitarian services, and security authorities.

He explained that the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s proactive diplomatic response to the safety of its citizens and warned that no Nigerian should be subjected to violence or intimidation because of nationality.

Officials confirmed that the evacuees are currently undergoing medical checks, documentation, and profiling, while temporary accommodation has been provided ahead of their return to their families.

The Federal Government also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with South African authorities at diplomatic levels to address the recurring attacks and strengthen protection mechanisms for Nigerians still residing in the country.

Authorities urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, assuring that further evacuation flights may be deployed if the situation persists.