The Nigerian government has successfully evacuated the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks, marking a decisive step in protecting its citizens abroad. The evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, landed at the International Wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning at 10:25 a.m. The returnees were officially welcomed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, who emphasized the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and dignity of Nigerians living overseas.
The evacuation operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, led by Acting High Commissioner Temitope Alexander Ajayi. Officials from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa escorted the evacuees throughout the process, ensuring their safe return. Enikanolaiye commended the High Commission for its effective coordination and swift response during the crisis, highlighting the importance of strong diplomatic ties and preparedness in safeguarding Nigerian interests abroad.
In his remarks, the Minister stressed that the government would not tolerate any form of violence or harassment against Nigerians, regardless of their location. He urged all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and proactive in reporting any threats or suspicious activities to the Nigerian mission. “The Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents,” he stated.
The evacuation effort involved multiple government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service, and various security agencies. This multi-agency approach reflects a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to manage the crisis and ensure the well-being of returning citizens. Enikanolaiye described the operation as a clear demonstration of the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The returning nationals are currently undergoing documentation, profiling, and medical checks to ensure their health and safety. Temporary accommodation has been arranged for them, with plans to reunite them with their families as soon as possible. The government has also confirmed that additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as the operation continues.
This evacuation underscores Nigeria’s growing focus on protecting its diaspora and responding swiftly to international threats. As more Nigerians return home, the government remains committed to addressing the underlying issues fueling xenophobia while reinforcing diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
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