Final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa over xenophobic attacks arrive

The Federal Government has completed the evacuation of Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the final government-sponsored flight returning 308 evacuees to the country.

The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, bringing home the returnees alongside three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation exercise in South Africa.

Final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa

The evacuees, comprising men, women, children and entire families, were received by government officials upon arrival.

Final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the latest airlift brought the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to more than 1,500.

"The last Federal Government-sponsored flight conveying our nationals home from South Africa as a result of the xenophobic protests and attacks on black migrants which have engulfed that country departed Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, this morning. Over 1,500 nationals have been evacuated. The number of evacuees on this flight is 308 nationals and three Nigerian officials. Our prayers are for a safe return," the minister said.

Final batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa

Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the emergency evacuation, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving for Nigerians caught up in the attacks.

She also praised officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and airline operator Air Peace for their efforts in facilitating the successful evacuation of the stranded citizens.