The Nigerian government says another 271 citizens are expected to return from South Africa as it expands a voluntary evacuation programme launched ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests.
An aircraft operated by Air Peace departed Nigeria on Monday and is expected to bring the latest group of evacuees to Lagos, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Federal Government says the exercise is aimed at protecting Nigerians who have indicated a willingness to leave South Africa amid concerns over planned demonstrations targeting immigrants.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the evacuation would continue as part of efforts to safeguard Nigerian citizens.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today,” Mr Ebienfa said.
“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today and is expected to arrive in South Africa today.
“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.”
According to the ministry, 271 Nigerians are expected on the latest flight.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier approved the voluntary evacuation programme to allow Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa to return home safely.
The government previously announced that five evacuation flights had been approved after more than 500 Nigerians underwent screening for repatriation.
Officials said the flights were intended to ensure that all registered Nigerians who expressed interest in returning home could be evacuated safely.
Before the latest operation, 328 Nigerians had already returned to Nigeria in two batches. The first evacuation flight brought back 262 people, while a second batch of 66 arrived in Lagos.
The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace and other relevant agencies.
The latest operation comes amid growing concerns over planned anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to urge citizens who wish to return home to take advantage of the evacuation programme.
