FG Airlifts 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
By Victor Idajili
The Federal Government has evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa through a series of humanitarian flights following renewed xenophobic attacks and security concerns targeting foreign nationals.
The latest evacuation was announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to Ebienfa, the fifth phase was operated by Air Peace. The aircraft left O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time and landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 11:30 a.m.
It carried 308 passengers — 305 returnees and 3 Nigerian government officials who supervised the exercise.
“With this, the Federal Government has now evacuated a total of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa through coordinated humanitarian flights undertaken in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways,” Ebienfa said.
The ministry said the voluntary evacuation programme began on June 10.
June 10: Air Peace evacuated 258 Nigerians
June 24: South African Airways airlifted 66 returnees
June 30: Air Peace evacuated 272 Nigerians
July 2: Air Peace evacuated 268 Nigerians
July 9: Air Peace evacuated 282 Nigerians
July 11: South African Airways returned 39 Nigerians
July 15: Air Peace evacuated 305 Nigerians
Ebienfa said the evacuations followed sustained diplomatic engagement with the South African government over attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreigners.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that Nigeria rejects “xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals.”
The ministry coordinated the operation with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, NiDCOM, NEMA, NIS, FAAN, Port Health Services and other agencies.
Ebienfa commended Air Peace for what he described as a “patriotic and instrumental” role in the success of the exercise.
He urged Nigerians living overseas to obey host country laws, register with the nearest Nigerian mission, and stay in touch with diplomatic officials to enable quick consular assistance when needed.
The Federal Government said it will continue engaging South Africa diplomatically to ensure the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.
