The Federal Government has concluded the evacuation of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following a series of xenophobic attacks and worsening security concerns affecting foreign nationals in the country.
The final batch of 305 returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg, marking the completion of the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation programme.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR.
According to the ministry, the aircraft departed O.R. Tambo International Airport at 6:30 a.m. South African time and landed in Lagos at 11:30 a.m. It also conveyed three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation exercise.
The statement said the evacuation followed sustained diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa in response to attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
It explained that the evacuation was carried out through seven humanitarian flights jointly operated by Air Peace and South African Airways between June 10 and July 15. The operations evacuated 258 Nigerians on June 10, 66 on June 24, 272 on June 30, 268 on July 2, 282 on July 9, 39 on July 11 and the final 305 on July 15.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was coordinated in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate-General in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.
The Federal Government commended Air Peace for its continued support in the evacuation exercise and reiterated its commitment to the Citizens' Diplomacy policy, which places the welfare, protection and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the heart of the country's foreign policy.
While reaffirming Nigeria's cordial relations with South Africa, the government condemned xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals, pledging to sustain diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians and other residents.
It also urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with Nigerian missions for prompt consular assistance when necessary.
The government assured the returnees of continued support through relevant agencies to facilitate their reintegration into the country.