The Federal Government has concluded the evacuation of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the last government-sponsored flight bringing home 308 citizens on Wednesday.
The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, marking the end of the emergency airlift exercise, which returned more than 1,500 Nigerians to the country.
Also on board the flight were three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the evacuation operation in South Africa.
Video footage of the arrival showed returnees, including women, children and families, disembarking from the aircraft with their luggage as government officials received them at the airport.
Many of the evacuees appeared tired but relieved after arriving safely in Nigeria, while airport officials assisted them through the arrival process.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the final flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at about 6:30 a.m. South African time.
She explained that the latest batch brought the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the Federal Government’s emergency operation to over 1,500.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the evacuation, saying his swift intervention helped protect Nigerians affected by the attacks and ensured their safe return home.
She also praised Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and Air Peace for supporting the evacuation exercise.
According to the minister, the government’s decision to extend the evacuation beyond the June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups reflected its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
She further expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their patience and confidence throughout the evacuation process.
