FG resumes evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa over xenophobia fears

The Federal Government has resumed the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa as concerns grow over possible xenophobic attacks ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests.

 

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and is expected to return to Lagos on Tuesday with another batch of evacuees.

 

According to him, the flight left Nigeria at 3:00 p.m. on Monday and was scheduled to arrive in South Africa at about 9:00 p.m. local time before departing at midnight for Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

 

The evacuation comes ahead of protests expected to begin on June 30, with the government continuing its voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who have indicated interest in returning home.

 

More than 700 Nigerians are reportedly still in South Africa awaiting evacuation, amid concerns that bureaucratic delays have slowed the release of funds approved by President Bola Tinubu for the exercise.

 

Ebienfa urged Nigerians who remain in South Africa after the planned protests to stay vigilant and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission.

 

“Be calm and security conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates,” he said.

 

The latest operation is part of a five-flight evacuation programme approved by the Federal Government earlier this month to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians.

 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 328 Nigerians have already been evacuated in two batches. The first flight brought home 262 returnees on June 11, while a second batch of 66 arrived in Lagos on June 25.

 

The evacuation is being coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace and relevant agencies.

 

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier advised Nigerians to avoid protest venues, limit unnecessary movement and remain alert following reports of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.

 

The Federal Government said it is also working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country while the evacuation exercise continues.