No fewer than 270 Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa are expected back in the country on Thursday morning as the Federal Government steps up evacuation efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement on Tuesday through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, that the returnees constitute the first group being repatriated following rising tensions targeting foreign nationals.
According to the statement, the evacuees will leave Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace flight and are scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 5 a.m. on Thursday.
The Federal Government said it is fully responsible for the evacuation process, including flight arrangements and reception logistics for the affected citizens upon arrival.
It added that on arrival in Lagos, the returnees will undergo documentation and profiling before receiving necessary support and assistance for reintegration with their families.
Originally, the evacuation exercise was billed to begin on Monday but was shifted to Wednesday due to what authorities described as logistical challenges.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that the postponement became necessary to finalise documentation and screening procedures conducted in collaboration with South African authorities.
She noted that over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa had participated in the screening process, adding that the number of those opting for voluntary return was still increasing.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also revealed that it secured concessions from South African authorities, including waivers for Nigerians with immigration-related offences, allowing them to return home through the evacuation programme rather than face detention.
The operation is being coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) alongside other relevant government bodies.
The evacuation follows growing concerns over attacks on foreigners in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate voluntary return for citizens willing to leave.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa while maintaining diplomatic engagement with authorities to address the situation.