The final group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions has arrived in Lagos, bringing the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation exercise to a close.
The returnees were flown into Nigeria aboard an Air Peace aircraft, which touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 11:28 am.
Their arrival marks the conclusion of the government’s evacuation programme, which was launched to assist Nigerians who opted to leave South Africa amid growing concerns over anti-immigrant hostility.
Before the latest flight, the Federal Government had already completed six evacuation operations, successfully bringing back hundreds of Nigerians affected by the rising tensions.
The evacuation initiative was introduced to provide safe passage for citizens who voluntarily decided to return home as reports of xenophobia and anti-immigration sentiments intensified in parts of South Africa.
President Bola Tinubu approved the voluntary evacuation programme earlier this month, directing relevant government agencies to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians willing to leave the country.
The decision followed growing concerns about the safety and welfare of Nigerian nationals residing in South Africa.
Earlier in June, the Federal Government confirmed that Air Peace had been designated to conduct the evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians completed screening and registration for repatriation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the evacuation flights were organised to ensure that every Nigerian who had registered and expressed willingness to return home would be transported safely.
Officials said the repatriation exercise was coordinated through collaboration between the Federal Government, Air Peace and other relevant agencies responsible for immigration, consular affairs and emergency response.
The government maintained that the initiative underscores its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly during periods of heightened security concerns.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional evacuation flights will be required, following the successful completion of the programme.
The latest flight effectively concludes the government’s emergency response to the recent wave of xenophobia-related concerns affecting Nigerians in South Africa.
