Xenophobic Attacks : FG Evacuates 1,490 Nigerians From South Africa

The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,490.

A Statement signed by the Spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that the latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 6:30 a.m. South African time on Wednesday and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 11:30 a.m.

The aircraft conveyed 305 Nigerian returnees and three government officials who coordinated and supervised the evacuation exercise.

According to the statement, the evacuation was carried out in line with the Federal Government’s Citizens’ Diplomacy policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the protection and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

The Ministry says the 1,490 evacuees were brought home through a series of humanitarian flights jointly undertaken by Air Peace and South African Airways between June 10 and July 15, 2026.

It explains that the evacuation followed sustained diplomatic engagement with the South African Government over the recurring xenophobic attacks and other security concerns affecting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

The Ministry notes that the exercise was coordinated in collaboration 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 to ensure seamless registration, departure and reception of the returnees.

The Federal Government commended Air Peace for its continued support and patriotism throughout the evacuation programme.

It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, stressing that the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain at the heart of the country’s foreign policy.

While acknowledging the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, the Federal Government maintained that xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals are unacceptable. It pledged to continue engaging the South African Government through diplomatic channels to promote the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.

The Government also assured Nigerians living overseas of continued consular support and urged them to obey the laws of their host countries, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions for prompt assistance whenever necessary.

The returnees have also been assured of the Federal Government’s support through relevant agencies to facilitate their reintegration into society.

PR/Uju Oparaji