Xenophobia: FG Announces Fresh Evacuation of Nigerians in South Africa

• The Federal Government has confirmed that another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as fears grow over planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30.

The Federal Government has announced that another evacuation flight carrying Nigerians from South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as authorities intensify efforts to protect citizens amid growing concerns over possible xenophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and is expected to return with another group of Nigerians in the early hours of Tuesday.

The latest evacuation comes ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests scheduled to begin on June 30, prompting fresh fears among foreign nationals living in South Africa.

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the evacuation exercise is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians who have voluntarily indicated their desire to return home.

“Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 pm local time. The return flight is scheduled to leave South Africa at midnight and arrive in Lagos on Tuesday morning,” he said.

The Federal Government also advised Nigerians who may choose to remain in South Africa after the protests begin to remain calm, stay vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are expected to take place.

Ebienfa urged Nigerians to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for updates and emergency assistance.

The latest operation is part of an evacuation programme approved by President Bola Tinubu earlier this month after intelligence reports warned of possible attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Reports indicate that more than 700 Nigerians are still stranded in South Africa, with many awaiting evacuation amid concerns that bureaucratic delays have slowed the release of approved funds for the exercise.

Before this latest flight, the Federal Government had successfully evacuated 328 Nigerians in two batches. The first group of 262 returnees arrived on June 11, while another 66 Nigerians returned to the country on June 25.

Authorities say the evacuation exercise will continue as the government works closely with South African officials to ensure the safety of Nigerians living in the country.