The Federal Government has concluded the evacuation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa following xenophobic attacks, with the final repatriation flight arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday carrying 308 returnees.
The aircraft, which also transported three government officials, landed at approximately 11:30 a.m., marking the successful completion of the evacuation exercise that brought more than 1,500 Nigerians back home from South Africa.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, credited President Bola Tinubu’s intervention for the success of the operation, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they may be.
According to the minister, the President’s decision to extend the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa ensured that more affected Nigerians were safely returned home.
“His extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our nationals in crisis situations,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She welcomed the returnees and commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, as well as other government agencies involved, for their professionalism and coordination throughout the evacuation process.
The repatriation exercise was launched in response to growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. With the arrival of the final batch of evacuees, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, particularly during periods of crisis.
