The first group of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa in the wake of recent xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the returnees will travel on an Air Peace flight scheduled to leave O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
The flight is expected to land in Lagos at approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday.
The evacuation follows growing concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, which prompted Nigerian authorities to organise the voluntary repatriation of affected citizens.
The Federal Government had previously assured Nigerians living in South Africa of its commitment to protecting their welfare and safety while engaging relevant authorities to address the situation.
Further details are expected as the repatriation exercise continues.
