The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in Nigeria, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to protect its citizens abroad.
The evacuees arrived aboard a special evacuation flight operated by Air Peace at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:25 a.m. on Thursday.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the evacuation as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
Speaking during the reception, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s assurances to the evacuees, reaffirming the administration’s determination to protect Nigerian citizens facing threats abroad.
The evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation reflects the Federal Government’s proactive response to safeguard Nigerian lives and uphold the dignity of its citizens amid violence and intolerance.
“The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” the minister said, adding that additional evacuation flights are expected to bring more Nigerians home in the coming days.
Enikanolaiye also assured Nigerians in South Africa that the Federal Government remains actively engaged with South African authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the factors behind the attacks.
He urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, stay vigilant and promptly report any threats or incidents to the Nigerian Mission.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening and will be provided temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians worldwide and called for calm while diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation continue.
