Another 271 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrive Lagos

The third batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government continues its voluntary repatriation programme for citizens returning home amid growing anti-immigration tensions in the country.

The Air Peace flight, carrying about 271 Nigerians, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, shortly before 11 a.m on Tuesday, after departing Johannesburg at about 5 a.m. local time.

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) were at the airport to receive the returnees.

The latest evacuation follows an announcement by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who disclosed on Monday that the third batch of evacuees would arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday with 271 returnees on board.

The Federal Government has maintained that the exercise is part of an ongoing voluntary evacuation programme designed to assist Nigerians who have chosen to return home.

The repatriation comes amid heightened anti-immigration sentiment in South Africa following a June 30 deadline reportedly issued by vigilante groups and other organisations calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

In a nationwide address on Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration but warned that protests must remain peaceful and within the law.

He cautioned against violence, intimidation, vandalism and attacks on foreign nationals, stressing that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of government authorities.

The Federal Government has continued to monitor developments in South Africa while facilitating the safe return of Nigerians who have opted to leave the country.

More details are expected as authorities conclude the reception and documentation of the latest batch of returnees.