The Federal Government has evacuated no fewer than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following a series of xenophobic attacks and worsening security concerns, describing the operation as one of the largest humanitarian evacuation exercises undertaken under its Citizens’ Diplomacy policy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that the successful completion of the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation exercise underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living abroad in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time on Wednesday and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 11:30 a.m.
The aircraft conveyed 308 passengers, including 305 Nigerian returnees and three government officials who coordinated and supervised the operation.
With the latest arrivals, the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa since June has risen to 1,490, following a series of humanitarian flights jointly facilitated by Air Peace Limited and South African Airways.
According to the Ministry, the evacuation programme commenced on 10 June, when 258 Nigerians were airlifted by Air Peace. Subsequent operations returned 66 Nigerians on 24 June, 272 on 30 June, 268 on 2 July, 282 on 9 July, 39 on 11 July and 305 on 15 July.
The government explained that the evacuation followed sustained diplomatic engagements with the South African authorities in response to recurring xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
It noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the exercise alongside 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.
The Ministry said the collaborative effort ensured seamless registration, documentation, departure procedures and reception arrangements for the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.
The Federal Government also commended Air Peace for its continued support and patriotism throughout the evacuation programme, describing the airline as a dependable partner in national emergency response efforts.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, the Ministry stressed that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a central pillar of the country’s foreign policy, assuring citizens overseas of continued consular support whenever emergencies arise.
While acknowledging the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, the government maintained that xenophobia, racial discrimination and violence against foreign nationals remain unacceptable.
It pledged to continue engaging the South African Government through diplomatic channels to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen the safety of foreign residents and prevent future attacks.
The Ministry further urged Nigerians residing abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic missions and maintain regular contact with embassy officials to enable timely assistance during emergencies.
