By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Federal Government says it has evacuated 593 Nigerians from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic protests, with three additional evacuation flights scheduled to bring home about 700 more citizens who have registered for voluntary return.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said the evacuation exercise reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad during times of crisis.
According to the ministry, the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 11 aboard a special Air Peace flight. They were received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, before being handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling.
The ministry explained that logistical challenges delayed the second evacuation flight, forcing some stranded Nigerians to remain temporarily at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, where they were accommodated and cared for. It added that a Nigerian philanthropist sponsored the airfare for 66 returnees, who arrived in Lagos on June 24 aboard South African Airways.
A further 269 Nigerians arrived on Tuesday, June 30, bringing the total number of evacuees to 593.
The ministry disclosed that three more evacuation flights would be operated in the coming days to bring home approximately 700 Nigerians who have voluntarily registered and completed the required screening process. The next batch, comprising 271 returnees, is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3.
The Federal Government also dismissed reports alleging that officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa demanded money from stranded citizens before including them on evacuation lists.
It stressed that all special evacuation flights are fully funded by the Federal Government and are provided free of charge to returnees, describing the bribery allegations as “false” and “fake news.”
The ministry commended the collaboration among relevant government agencies in executing the evacuation exercise, noting that the operation underlines Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens overseas and ensuring those affected by crises receive support, dignity and care.
