Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria Reschedules Evacuation Flight for Citizens From South Africa

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria Reschedules Evacuation Flight for Citizens From South Africa

The Federal Government has rescheduled the airlifting of the first batch of Nigerian citizens willing to return home from South Africa, following recent reports of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Black foreign nationals in parts of the country.

The announcement was made on Monday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said the evacuation exercise initially planned for Monday has now been shifted to Wednesday due to logistical and operational considerations.

According to the ministry, President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Nigerian carrier Air Peace, as part of efforts to safely repatriate citizens who have expressed interest in returning home.

Ebienfa explained that the first flight is expected to convey about 270 Nigerian returnees from Johannesburg, while additional flights will follow in subsequent batches until all registered citizens are evacuated.

He also confirmed that the ongoing screening and verification of Nigerians willing to return has been extended to Wednesday to allow more affected persons to be captured in the process.

READ ALSO:

• NAF Tracks 46 Abducted Pupils, Teachers in Oyo as Tinubu Deploys Special Rescue Unit
• Xenophobic Attacks Persist in South Africa Despite Ramaphosa’s Warning
• Lagos Police Dismiss School Bandit Attack Threat, Deploy Security to Schools

“So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said, adding that the extension was necessary to ensure that all eligible returnees are properly documented before departure.

Officials said the screening exercise is being coordinated by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities and relevant international agencies to ensure a smooth evacuation process.

The Federal Government’s decision comes amid renewed concern over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where reports of attacks on foreign nationals have triggered fear among migrant communities and prompted several African countries to take protective measures for their citizens.

Nigeria had earlier opened registration for citizens willing to return home following the unrest, with over 1,000 Nigerians reportedly indicating interest in voluntary repatriation due to safety concerns, harassment, and insecurity in affected areas.

The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Nigerians who wish to leave, while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over the protection of foreign nationals.

Authorities also noted that all necessary permits and clearances for the evacuation flights are being secured to avoid delays, with the first aircraft expected to depart Johannesburg in the evening of the revised date.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that updates will be provided as the evacuation exercise progresses.

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria Reschedules Evacuation Flight for Citizens From South Africa