268 Nigerian Evacuees from South Africa to Arrive in Lagos Tomorrow

The first batch of Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa is scheduled to arrive in Lagos tomorrow morning. This evacuation comes in response to recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, which prompted urgent government intervention.

The operation is being conducted by Air Peace Airlines, which will fly the 268 evacuees from Oliver Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Lagos. The Federal Government has assured that the exercise is fully funded, ensuring that the returnees will bear no costs.

Federal Government Arrangements

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that the Federal Government has made all necessary preparations for the safe reception of the evacuees. Upon arrival in Lagos, the returnees will undergo documentation, profiling, and verification procedures.

Relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have coordinated to provide support services, including transportation, temporary accommodation if required, and guidance to ensure evacuees are reunited with their families promptly and safely.

Scale of Evacuation Efforts

The 268 individuals represent the first group of Nigerian nationals returning from South Africa. The need for evacuation is substantial, as over 1,000 Nigerians have expressed interest in leaving the country following xenophobic attacks. The Federal Government has extended its support to accommodate these cases in subsequent flights, emphasising the safety and well-being of all affected citizens.

Air Peace Airlines is handling the logistics, coordinating closely with the Nigerian Foreign Service to facilitate a smooth and orderly repatriation process. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure further evacuations occur without disruption.

Support for Returnees

The government has emphasised that evacuees will receive comprehensive assistance upon arrival. This includes access to healthcare, counselling services for trauma, and guidance for reintegration into their communities. The objective is to provide a secure and supportive environment as the returnees transition back into life in Nigeria.

Officials have also called on families and community members to remain cooperative and assist the government in facilitating smooth reunions with returning nationals.