Two hundred and sixty-two Nigerians, out of about 1,000 citizens who have indicated interest in leaving South Africa, are expected to return to the country on Thursday following a fresh outbreak of xenophobic violence.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed this in a statement posted on her X account on Thursday morning.
“There are 262 Nigerian Nationals and 3 officials on board the Aircraft in addition to the airline crew, and the evacuation flight departed this morning from Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg,” the minister said, noting that the operation was carried out by Air Peace Airlines and funded by the Federal Government.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on behalf of the Federal Government, as she is away on official duty in Ethiopia.
The chartered flight is expected to land around 11:00 am (12:00 GMT).
“It will be a highly emotionally charged atmosphere as our traumatized citizens being evacuated from South Africa arrive at their home country today,” she said.
“They have been through a great ordeal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the public that the Federal Government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, has put in place the necessary reception and support arrangements for the returnees before they are reunited with their families.”
The minister also addressed the returning citizens, saying: “The price of your peace and the safety of your children is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate-infested environment. Survival is the noblest form of vengeance. Your Nation is waiting to embrace you with open arms. In advance, we say, ‘Welcome back to the Motherland!’”
Weeks of anti-foreigner violence have rocked South Africa, with armed groups reportedly targeting migrants and demanding that those without residency documents leave the country by June 30.
Foreign nationals have been attacked and displaced in several communities, forcing many to flee amid rising tensions. Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already evacuated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.
South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, hosts over three million foreigners, representing just above five per cent of its population, according to official statistics.
However, unemployment levels above 30 per cent have continued to fuel resentment against migrant workers.
The country has experienced recurring xenophobic violence since 2008, when similar attacks led to deaths and widespread displacement. The latest unrest is unfolding as political parties prepare for local government elections in November.