Another group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has safely arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government continues efforts to bring home citizens affected by the wave of anti-migrant violence and growing xenophobic attacks in the country.
The latest evacuation flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday, carrying hundreds of returnees who had requested emergency assistance following renewed threats against foreign nationals living in South Africa.
The fresh arrival marks another major phase in Nigeria’s ongoing evacuation programme ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect citizens caught in the unrest spreading across parts of South Africa.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Air Peace chartered aircraft transported 268 Nigerian returnees alongside two flight crew members from Johannesburg back to Nigeria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the evacuation exercise would continue as directed by President Tinubu despite the expiration of the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa.
Government officials explained that the latest group adds to hundreds of Nigerians already brought back home in previous evacuation operations carried out over the past few weeks.
Reports show that before the latest arrival, about 593 Nigerians had already been successfully evacuated through earlier repatriation exercises coordinated by the Federal Government.
Authorities said the evacuation programme remains voluntary and is focused on Nigerians who registered for assistance after tensions escalated following recent protests targeting foreign nationals.
The Federal Government also assured citizens still in South Africa that diplomatic engagement and evacuation support remain active as authorities monitor developments closely.
The renewed xenophobic tension has continued raising concern across Africa, with calls growing for stronger protection of migrants and foreign residents living in affected communities.
The latest evacuation now highlights Nigeria’s continued diplomatic response as authorities work to ensure the safe return of citizens facing danger abroad while monitoring the evolving security situation in South Africa.