The Federal Government has evacuated an additional 282 Nigerian nationals from South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated under its emergency evacuation programme to 1,141 as authorities continue efforts to protect Nigerians affected by recurring xenophobic attacks.
The latest batch of evacuees arrived in Nigeria as part of an ongoing operation coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and relevant agencies responsible for the welfare of citizens abroad.
The evacuation exercise was launched on June 11 following renewed incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The programme was designed to provide voluntary repatriation for Nigerians who expressed a desire to return home due to safety concerns and the deteriorating security situation.
Government officials said the operation is now in its final stages, with one last evacuation flight scheduled for next week to conclude the exercise.
According to the authorities, the evacuation has been conducted in phases to ensure the safe and orderly return of affected Nigerians. The government also stated that arrangements have been made to provide immediate support for the returnees upon arrival, including immigration processing and other humanitarian assistance.
Officials reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Nigerian citizens regardless of their location, stressing that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities have continued alongside the evacuation programme.
The Nigerian government has consistently condemned xenophobic attacks against its citizens and other African nationals, calling on the South African government to strengthen measures to prevent violence, protect foreign residents, and ensure that those responsible for attacks are brought to justice.
Xenophobic attacks have periodically strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa over the years, with businesses owned by foreign nationals often targeted during outbreaks of violence. Previous incidents prompted similar evacuation efforts and renewed calls for stronger cooperation between the two countries to address the root causes of the attacks.
The Federal Government has advised Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, stay in contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions, and promptly report threats to their safety to local authorities and embassy officials.
With only one evacuation flight remaining, officials expressed optimism that the exercise would soon be concluded, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and rights of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
The latest evacuation underscores Nigeria’s ongoing response to the humanitarian impact of xenophobic violence and its resolve to provide assistance to citizens affected by insecurity outside the country’s borders.
