First Batch Of Returnees Lands In Nigeria As South Africa Attacks Escalate

The Federal Government on Thursday received 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following a recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Peace flight arranged under the government’s repatriation programme.

The evacuation flight, initially scheduled for Monday, was delayed until Wednesday due to documentation and processing challenges.

The repatriation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, where renewed xenophobic violence has forced many migrants to seek assistance to return home.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had indicated interest in returning, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.

According to the ministry, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has been working with South African authorities to facilitate the departure of affected citizens, including those with unresolved immigration issues.

Officials described the arrival of the first batch as the beginning of a broader effort to assist Nigerians impacted by the unrest and ensure their safe return.