The Federal Government has concluded the emergency evacuation of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the arrival of the final government-sponsored flight carrying 308 returnees to Lagos.
The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday morning, marking the end of the evacuation exercise approved by President Bola Tinubu to bring stranded Nigerians back home.
Footage from the airport showed dozens of returnees, including women, children and entire families, disembarking from the aircraft with their luggage as officials received and processed them. Many appeared visibly exhausted but relieved after returning safely to Nigeria.
The flight also conveyed three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation operation.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the latest batch raised the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to more than 1,500.
In a statement shared on her X account, the minister said the final evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time.
She explained that the emergency airlift was organised in response to the wave of xenophobic attacks targeting black migrants in South Africa.
“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 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 expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the emergency rescue mission, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving.
According to her, the President’s decision to extend the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-migrant groups underscored his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians living abroad during periods of crisis.
She said the operation reflected the government’s resolve to protect the security, welfare and dignity of Nigerian citizens wherever they may be.
The minister also commended Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa, including Acting High Commissioner Amb. Alex Ajayi, Consul-General Amb. Nini Okey Uche, and other mission staff for coordinating the evacuation.
She further praised Air Peace Airlines for its role in successfully airlifting the stranded Nigerians back home.
Bianca also thanked Nigerians for their patience and confidence throughout the evacuation exercise, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting its citizens in times of emergency.
