First Batch of Nigerians Leaves S’Africa Wednesday Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government has confirmed that the first batch of Nigerian nationals affected by renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa will begin their return journey on Wednesday night, as authorities move to evacuate citizens stranded in volatile areas.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation flight will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the operation is being fully funded by the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has fully funded the evacuation exercise; consequently, all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them,” the statement said.

Ebienfa explained that Air Peace Airlines has been contracted to conduct the evacuation exercise, which forms part of emergency diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to safeguard Nigerian citizens in South Africa.

Upon arrival in Lagos, the returnees will undergo documentation, screening, and profiling processes before being handed over to appropriate agencies for further assistance and reintegration support.

“The Federal Government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, has put in place the necessary reception and support arrangements for the returnees,” the ministry added.

The federal government further assured that adequate arrangements have been concluded to ensure the comfort and welfare of the evacuees, including immediate support upon landing and coordination with family members for reunification.

The evacuation follows renewed anti-immigrant violence in parts of South Africa that has forced many foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to seek voluntary repatriation.

Nigerian authorities recently disclosed that more than 1,000 citizens had indicated interest in returning home amid growing safety concerns. A joint screening process involving Nigerian and South African officials has been underway to determine eligibility for the exercise.

The South African government has also come under pressure from several African countries following reports of attacks on foreign nationals.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned the violence and pledged action against groups accused of instigating xenophobic attacks, while insisting that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state.

This is not the first time Nigeria has organised an evacuation of its citizens from South Africa. In 2019, hundreds of Nigerians were repatriated following widespread xenophobic attacks that strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies. Air Peace played a prominent role in that exercise, transporting hundreds of returnees from Johannesburg to Lagos.

The latest evacuation shows continuing concerns over the safety of African migrants in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence have been linked to unemployment, economic hardship and tensions over immigration.