Xenophobia Fears: Next Evacuation Flight From South Africa Arrives Tuesday — FG

The Federal Government has confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying Nigerians from South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as authorities intensify efforts to protect citizens ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests in the country.

The latest evacuation comes amid growing concerns over demonstrations scheduled to begin on June 30, prompting the government to continue its voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who have indicated their willingness to return home.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, hinted that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and would return on Tuesday morning with another batch of evacuees.

According to him, the aircraft left Nigeria at 3:00 p.m on Monday and was expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m local time.

The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.

Ebienfa also advised Nigerians who choose to remain in South Africa after the planned protests to remain vigilant and strictly observe security precautions.

"Be calm and security conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates," he said.

The latest operation forms part of the voluntary evacuation programme approved earlier this month by President Bola Tinubu to assist Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa amid security concerns.

On June 7, the Federal Government approved five Air Peace evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians registered and were screened for possible evacuation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the additional flights were approved to ensure that all Nigerians who registered for voluntary evacuation are safely returned home.

Before the latest exercise, the government had already evacuated 328 Nigerians in two batches. The first evacuation flight brought home 262 Nigerians on June 11, while a second flight returned 66 evacuees to Lagos on June 25.

The evacuation programme is being coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with Air Peace and other relevant agencies.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from planned protest venues and remain alert following intelligence indicating possible demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.

The Federal Government said it is continuing to work closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country while facilitating the voluntary return of those who wish to come home.