First batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks has arrived in Lagos.
In the first batch, a total of 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight arranged as part of the Federal Government’s repatriation efforts.
The latest repatriation exercise follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where reports of xenophobic violence have prompted many foreign nationals to seek assistance to return to their home countries.
Nigerian government had said more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated their willingness to leave South Africa and return home, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier disclosed that the number of Nigerians requesting repatriation was steadily increasing.
She noted that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had engaged South African authorities to facilitate the return of affected citizens, including those facing immigration-related issues.
Arrangements were made to ensure that Nigerians with unresolved immigration concerns would be allowed to depart on evacuation flights rather than face detention, according to the minister.
To coordinate the process, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa commenced the screening and documentation of intending returnees.