ABUJA — The Federal Government has evacuated the first batch of 258 Nigerians from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks, reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and engaging South African authorities to prevent further violence.
The evacuees arrived at the International Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a special Air Peace flight at about 10:25 a.m. on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, and were received on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Speaking during the reception, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of solidarity to the affected Nigerians, assuring them that the government would continue to prioritize their safety, dignity, and welfare regardless of where they reside.
“The Federal Government will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world,” the minister said.
He commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the evacuation exercise and urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, stay vigilant, and promptly report threats or incidents to Nigerian diplomatic officials.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to address the factors responsible for the attacks and ensure the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The evacuation operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several government agencies, including the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Aviation and Health, as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
According to the ministry, the returnees are undergoing documentation, profiling, and medical screening before being provided temporary accommodation and reunited with their families.
Officials said additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as the government continues efforts to bring home Nigerians willing to leave South Africa amid growing security concerns.
The ministry described the evacuation as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-focused foreign policy, stressing that the move should not be viewed as a retreat but as a proactive measure to safeguard lives.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality,” the statement said.
The latest evacuation comes against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly other Africans, have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of unrest. The Nigerian government said it remains committed to protecting its citizens while pursuing diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
