First Batch Of Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrives Lagos Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived in Lagos, marking the commencement of a government-coordinated repatriation exercise aimed at bringing affected citizens back home safely.

A total of 262 Nigerians touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Cargo Terminal on Wednesday aboard a specially arranged evacuation flight facilitated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies.

The aircraft landed at approximately 10:30 a.m., with government officials and emergency response personnel on hand to receive the returnees.

The evacuation follows weeks of renewed xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, which have forced several African countries to take urgent measures to protect their citizens.

Officials said the returnees would undergo documentation and profiling procedures before being reunited with their families and integrated into support programmes designed to assist their resettlement.

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians still in South Africa that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety and facilitate their return where necessary.

Sources involved in the evacuation exercise disclosed that additional flights are expected in the coming days as authorities continue to assess the number of Nigerians seeking repatriation. However, details regarding the exact number of expected returnees and flight schedules have not yet been released.

Nigeria is among several African countries that have initiated evacuation plans in response to the latest wave of anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa.

Other countries that have reportedly commenced the repatriation of their nationals include Ghana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Malawi.

The latest incidents have once again renewed concerns about recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly African migrants, have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of unrest.

The Federal Government has continued to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels while reiterating its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerians living abroad.

As evacuation efforts continue, officials say priority will be given to vulnerable citizens, including women, children and individuals directly affected by the attacks.