Nigeria Completes Evacuation of 1,500 Citizens from South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria concluded its evacuation operation for Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the final flight transporting 308 individuals landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday morning. This operation, coordinated by three Nigerian government officials, brought the total number of evacuees to 1,500.

The last flight departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 AM South African time.

Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the emergency airlift, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad. The evacuation was prompted by a series of xenophobic protests and attacks against black migrants in South Africa.

The Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa, including High Commissioner Alex Ajayi and Consul General Nini Okei Uche, played a crucial role in facilitating the safe return of the evacuees.