The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived in Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.
The evacuees landed at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday aboard a special Air Peace flight.
They were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa led by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the evacuation reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment wherever they may be in the world,” he said.
Mr Enikanolaiye said the government acted swiftly to bring affected Nigerians home and assured them of continued support. He also said Nigeria remained engaged with South African authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the causes of the attacks.
The evacuation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several government agencies, including the ministries responsible for humanitarian affairs, aviation and health, as well as immigration and security agencies.
The minister commended the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria for coordinating the exercise and urged Nigerians still living in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant and report any threats to the mission.
According to the ministry, more evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to assist Nigerians affected by the violence.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening before being provided temporary accommodation and reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians worldwide and called for calm as diplomatic efforts to address the situation continue.
