Next Batch Of Nigerians To Be Evacuated From South Africa, FG Reveals

The Federal Government has confirmed that another batch of Nigerians being voluntarily evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard citizens amid growing concerns over possible xenophobic violence.

According to reports, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed on Monday that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday afternoon to airlift another group of Nigerians willing to return home.

Ebienfa explained that the aircraft left Nigeria at 3:00 p.m. on Monday and was scheduled to arrive in South Africa later that evening. The return flight is expected to depart South Africa at midnight and land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning.

The latest evacuation follows heightened fears over planned anti-immigrant demonstrations expected to commence on June 30, prompting the Federal Government to sustain its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry also advised Nigerians choosing to remain in South Africa after the protests begin to remain calm, stay alert, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, and maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission for security updates and guidance.

The evacuation initiative forms part of the intervention approved earlier this month by President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

Earlier, on June 7, the Federal Government authorised five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace after more than 500 Nigerians registered and completed the screening process for the programme.

Before the latest operation, a total of 328 Nigerians had already returned home through two previous evacuation flights. The first batch of 262 evacuees arrived on June 11, while another 66 citizens were brought back to Lagos on June 25.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the evacuation exercise is being coordinated in partnership with Air Peace and other relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth and safe operation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier urged Nigerians living in South Africa to avoid unnecessary travel, steer clear of protest locations, and remain vigilant. The Federal Government also reaffirmed that it is working closely with South African authorities to guarantee the safety and security of Nigerians who choose to remain in the country.