ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has evacuated a total of 1,141 Nigerians from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic protests, with the arrival of a fourth batch of returnees in Lagos.
The latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with 282 Nigerians, further advancing the government’s emergency response to the crisis.
Details of the development were contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The 4th evacuation flight from South Africa operated by Air Peace arrived… with 282 returnees,” the statement said.
The Ministry noted that the cumulative number of evacuees now stands at 1,141, underscoring the scale of the operation aimed at safeguarding Nigerian citizens affected by the unrest.
It added that a fifth and final evacuation flight has been scheduled for next week to complete the repatriation exercise.
The evacuation effort forms part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic and humanitarian response to protect its nationals abroad amid rising tensions linked to xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa.
Officials said coordination efforts remain ongoing to ensure the safe and orderly return of all affected citizens.
