The Federal Government has completed the evacuation of a total of 1,327 Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The final government-sponsored flight conveyed 308 returnees arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday.
Also on board the flight were three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation exercise.
The returnees, comprising men, women, children, and families, were received by airport officials upon arrival.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the completion of the evacuation exercise, describing it as a successful intervention by the Federal Government to protect Nigerians caught in the wave of xenophobic violence.
She said the final evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning, bringing home the remaining stranded Nigerians.
“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 departed O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, this morning.
“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 evacuation, noting that his swift intervention helped protect the lives of Nigerians caught in the attacks.
She said the President’s decisive response demonstrated compassionate leadership and ensured the safe return of citizens stranded in South Africa.
The minister also commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and Air Peace for their support in the successful evacuation exercise.
The Federal Government said the operation has now been concluded, with all registered Nigerians who opted for evacuation safely returned to the country.