258 Nigerians Returns from South Africa as FG Responds to Xenophobic Attacks
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has evacuated the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens living abroad.
The returnees arrived in Nigeria aboard a special evacuation flight operated by Air Peace Airlines, which landed at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:25 a.m. on Thursday.
Receiving the evacuees on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the evacuation as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they may reside.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
The minister conveyed President Tinubu’s assurances to the returnees, stressing that the Federal Government remains steadfast in safeguarding the security, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
The evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
The ministry said the operation reflected the government’s proactive response to protect Nigerians affected by violence and intolerance, noting that no citizen should be forced to live in fear because of nationality.
Enikanolaiye emphasized that the evacuation should not be viewed as a sign of defeat but rather as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-centred foreign policy.
He also assured that additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to bring more affected Nigerians home.
Addressing the returnees, the minister said the Federal Government would not stand by while Nigerians are subjected to attacks and harassment anywhere in the world, adding that swift action was necessary to ensure their safety.
He commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for its effective coordination of the exercise and urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant and report any threats to the mission.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Government is engaging South African authorities at the highest levels to guarantee the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the underlying causes of the attacks.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening and will be provided temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians worldwide and called for calm as diplomatic efforts to address the situation continue.
