Xenophobic attacks: Over 250 Nigerians escape South African mobs’ wrath 

No fewer than 269 stranded Nigerians have returned home from South Africa as the Federal Government intensified its evacuation efforts following immigration enforcement measures by South African authorities.

The returnees arrived aboard an Air Peace flight at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at about 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed their arrival in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the latest evacuation marks the second major airlift coordinated by the Federal Government in response to South Africa’s immigration deadline affecting undocumented foreign nationals.

The development follows an earlier evacuation on June 24, during which more than 60 Nigerians, mostly women and children, were flown back to the country aboard a South African Airways flight facilitated by a Nigerian philanthropist. With the latest arrival, the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the ongoing exercise has risen to over 600.

Officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa accompanied the evacuees throughout the journey and formally handed them over to government representatives upon their arrival in Lagos.

The Federal Government’s reception team was led by the Director of the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, who welcomed the returnees on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Ali-Gombe conveyed the President’s assurance that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority, stressing that the government would continue to support citizens facing difficulties outside the country.

The ministry disclosed that the evacuation exercise is still ongoing, with additional flights already scheduled to bring back more Nigerians who have completed the required screening process and opted for voluntary repatriation.

It explained that the operation is part of the Federal Government’s coordinated response to South Africa’s enforcement of immigration regulations affecting undocumented migrants.

The Federal Government also pledged to sustain diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to safeguard the rights and safety of Nigerians residing legally in the country while ensuring the orderly return of those choosing to return home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular support to Nigerians abroad and maintaining high-level diplomatic efforts throughout the evacuation process.