The Federal Government has confirmed that the first group of Nigerians leaving South Africa due to recent xenophobic attacks will arrive in the country this week as part of an emergency evacuation plan.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees are expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, is scheduled to depart Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night before arriving in Nigeria at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The planned return follows growing concerns over attacks reportedly targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa.
The Federal Government said it had already completed arrangements to bring home citizens who expressed a willingness to return, assuring that the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority.
Officials also expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in South Africa, describing the attacks as troubling and calling for stronger measures to protect foreign residents.
The evacuation marks the beginning of efforts by Nigerian authorities to assist citizens affected by the unrest, with more developments expected as the government continues to monitor the situation closely.
Authorities have urged returning Nigerians to cooperate with officials handling the repatriation process and assured them of support upon arrival in the country.