271 More Nigerians to Return from South Africa as Evacuation Continues

The Federal Government has announced that another 271 Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic protests in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday as the ongoing evacuation exercise continues.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the third evacuation flight is scheduled to land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport at about 5:30 a.m. on July 3, bringing the total number of government-assisted returnees closer to the completion of the voluntary evacuation programme.

According to the ministry, 593 Nigerians have already been evacuated in earlier operations. The first batch of 258 returnees arrived on June 11 aboard a special Air Peace flight, while a second government-arranged flight brought home 269 evacuees on June 30.

The ministry explained that logistical challenges delayed the second evacuation, leaving some Nigerians temporarily stranded at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, where they were accommodated and cared for. It added that a Nigerian philanthropist sponsored the return of 66 stranded citizens, who arrived in Lagos on June 24.

Authorities also disclosed that three additional evacuation flights would be operated in the coming days to bring back about 700 more Nigerians who have voluntarily registered, completed screening and been cleared for evacuation.

Responding to allegations that officials at the Nigerian Mission demanded money from intending evacuees, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denied the claims, stressing that all evacuation flights are fully funded by the Federal Government and are completely free for returnees.

The ministry described the allegations as false and urged the public to disregard the reports.

It also commended the cooperation of relevant ministries, departments and agencies involved in the operation, noting that their collaboration has contributed to the success of the evacuation exercise.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, the ministry said the evacuation underscores Nigeria's foreign policy priority of safeguarding its citizens overseas and ensuring that those affected by crises receive the necessary support, dignity and care.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share