Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government is moving to bring Nigerians home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks.

The first batch of evacuees is expected to arrive in Lagos early Thursday morning.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the returnees will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night and land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 5 a.m.

The evacuation will be carried out by Air Peace and fully funded by the Federal Government, meaning affected Nigerians will not pay for the trip.

Authorities say arrangements have been made to receive the evacuees, including documentation, profiling and welfare support before they reunite with their families.

The ministry says relevant government agencies have also been mobilised to ensure a smooth and coordinated operation.

The evacuation follows growing concerns over renewed attacks and intimidation targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.