Nigeria Evacuates 1,490 Citizens from South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The evacuation was disclosed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Wednesday.

The fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation program involved a flight operated by Air Peace, which departed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 AM South African time and arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11:30 AM. This flight carried 308 passengers, comprising 305 returnees and three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation.

The evacuation program began on June 10, with subsequent flights on June 24, June 30, July 2, July 9, and July 15, totaling 1,490 Nigerians evacuated. The initiative reflects the Nigerian government's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, as emphasized by President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The government continues to engage with South African authorities to promote safety and coexistence while urging Nigerians abroad to register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission.