The Federal Government has completed the evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the arrival of the final government-sponsored flight carrying 308 returnees.
The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday morning. Also on board were three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation exercise.
Television footage showed dozens of returnees, including women, children and families, disembarking with their luggage and being received by government officials. Many appeared exhausted but relieved as airport personnel assisted them through arrival procedures.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the latest flight brought the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to more than 1,500.
In a statement posted on her X account, she said the final evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6.30 a.m. South African time.
“The last Federal Government-sponsored flight conveying our nationals home from South Africa as a result of the xenophobic protests and attacks on black migrants departed O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, this morning. Over 1,500 nationals have been evacuated. The number of evacuees on this flight is 308 nationals and three Nigerian officials. Our prayers are for a safe return,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the emergency airlift, saying the intervention saved lives and reflected the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
She said the decision to extend the evacuation beyond the 30 June deadline reportedly issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa demonstrated the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians affected by the unrest.
The minister also commended Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and Air Peace for their roles in the evacuation exercise.
She praised the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Alex Ajayi, the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Nini Okey Uche, officers of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and the management and staff of Air Peace for their contributions to the operation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also thanked Nigerians for their patience and support throughout the evacuation process.
