The Federal Government says the first batch of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions will arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the evacuation flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The ministry's spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the evacuation will be carried out by Air Peace and fully funded by the Federal Government, ensuring that affected Nigerians return home at no cost.
He added that reception arrangements have been put in place to support the returnees upon arrival.
The evacuees are expected to undergo documentation and profiling before receiving assistance and being reunited with their families.
The evacuation follows growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa after anti-immigration groups intensified calls for undocumented migrants to leave the country by June 30.
Nigerian authorities say more than 1,000 citizens have indicated interest in returning home.
The country's High Commission in Pretoria also secured waivers from South African authorities to allow some Nigerians with immigration-related offences to leave voluntarily instead of facing detention.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, says Nigeria is considering possible retaliatory measures against South Africa over the treatment of Nigerians and other African migrants.
She noted that while no decision has been taken, the option remains under consideration.
South Africa has experienced recurring anti-immigrant protests in recent years, driven largely by economic challenges and high unemployment.
Authorities in Pretoria have urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands while promising stronger enforcement against undocumented migration.
The latest tensions have reignited debates across the continent about migration, xenophobia and African unity, with several countries already repatriating citizens from South Africa as a precautionary measure.
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