The Federal Government has concluded the evacuation of Nigerians displaced by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, following the arrival of the final government-sponsored flight carrying 308 returnees.
The aircraft touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday morning.
Also on board were three Nigerian government officials who oversaw the evacuation exercise.
Video footage of the arrival aired by TVC showed scores of returnees, including women, children and families with their luggage, disembarking from the aircraft and being welcomed by government officials at the airport.
Many appeared exhausted but relieved as they moved through processing areas, while airport personnel coordinated their arrival and assisted them with onward movement.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the latest batch brought the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to more than 1,500.
In a statement posted on her X handle, she said the final evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time.
“The last Federal Government-sponsored flight conveying our nationals home from South Africa as a result of the xenophobic protests and attacks on black migrants which have engulfed that country departed Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, this morning… Over 1,500 nationals have been evacuated. The number of evacuees on this flight is 308 nationals and three Nigerian officials. Our prayers are for a safe return,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the emergency airlift, saying his intervention saved lives and demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
“I wish, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Government’s diplomatic missions, to express our profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for these emergency rescue missions.
“His decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa, imperilled by the spate of xenophobic incidents, no doubt saved many precious lives which could have been lost if not for this timely action.
“His extension of the evacuation exercise even beyond the June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our nationals in crisis situations.
“His prompt directive to bring our nationals home at the beginning of these protests and attacks against migrants in South Africa, and his concern for the welfare of our citizens endangered as a result, once again demonstrates his steadfast dedication to the security, well-being and protection of the dignity of the Nigerian national, irrespective of where he or she resides.
“Your Excellency, you promised… you delivered.”
The minister also commended Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and Air Peace for their roles in the evacuation.
“Our commendations also go to the Acting High Commissioner of the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, Amb. Alex Ajayi; the Consul-General of our Consulate in Johannesburg, Amb. Nini Okey Uche; the hardworking officers of our missions in South Africa, as well as the management and staff of Air Peace Airlines involved in these operations.
“To the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we say thank you for your faith, patience and the confidence reposed in us throughout this process,” she added.
