Federal Government Completes Evacuation of Over 1,500 Nigerians from South Africa Following Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully concluded the emergency evacuation of Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, bringing home more than 1,500 citizens through a series of government-sponsored flights.

The final evacuation flight arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, carrying 308 Nigerian returnees alongside three government officials who coordinated the rescue operation in South Africa.

The returnees included women, children, and entire families who were displaced or affected by the attacks targeting black migrants in parts of South Africa. They were received by airport officials upon arrival as the government officially concluded the evacuation exercise.

Speaking on the operation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that the latest flight brought the total number of evacuated Nigerians to over 1,500, marking the successful completion of the emergency intervention.

According to the minister, the final government-sponsored aircraft departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg before landing safely in Lagos with hundreds of Nigerian nationals on board.

She explained that the evacuation was initiated in response to the escalating xenophobic violence that affected foreign nationals living in South Africa, particularly black African migrants.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the emergency evacuation, describing the decision as a timely humanitarian intervention that helped protect Nigerians caught in the unrest.

She noted that the President’s swift response demonstrated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad, adding that the operation likely prevented further casualties among Nigerians affected by the violence.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also expressed appreciation to Nigerian diplomatic officials in South Africa for coordinating the evacuation process and providing assistance to stranded citizens throughout the crisis.

She further acknowledged the role of Air Peace, which partnered with the Federal Government to transport the evacuees safely back to Nigeria, praising the airline for its support during the humanitarian mission.

The evacuation followed days of unrest in parts of South Africa, where xenophobic attacks and protests targeted foreign nationals, forcing many affected residents to seek assistance from their respective governments.

Nigeria has consistently maintained that the safety and welfare of its citizens overseas remain a priority, particularly during periods of conflict, political instability, or humanitarian emergencies.

With the successful completion of the evacuation exercise, government officials say attention will now shift toward supporting the reintegration of the returnees while continuing diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening the protection of Nigerians living and working abroad.

The operation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to providing timely assistance to its citizens in times of crisis and highlights the importance of international cooperation in responding to humanitarian emergencies affecting migrant communities.