President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the return of more than 500 Nigerians stranded in South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
The evacuation operation will be carried out by Air Peace, with the first flight expected to depart from Johannesburg on Wednesday. Approximately 270 Nigerians who have completed the screening and verification process are scheduled to be airlifted in the initial batch.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
The evacuation comes in response to recent protests and attacks in South Africa that have reportedly targeted foreign nationals from several African countries. During the unrest, businesses owned by Nigerians were vandalised and looted, while a number of foreign nationals were reportedly killed in separate incidents linked to the violence.
According to the Ministry, the decision to evacuate affected Nigerians followed consultations between Nigerian authorities and diplomatic officials in South Africa, as concerns grew over the safety of citizens living in affected communities.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s mission in Pretoria has announced an extension of the screening exercise for Nigerians wishing to return home.
The exercise, initially scheduled to end earlier, will now continue until Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to allow more eligible citizens to register for evacuation.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, stay vigilant and maintain contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions while efforts continue to ensure their safe return and protection.
