The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in Lagos, as the Federal Government intensified efforts to protect citizens affected by the unrest.
The evacuees arrived aboard a special Air Peace flight at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Thursday morning. They were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
Receiving the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, described the evacuation as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world,” he said.
Mr Enikanolaiye said the swift evacuation reflected Nigeria’s citizen-centred foreign policy and reassured Nigerians overseas that their welfare remains a priority for the government.
He commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the evacuation process and urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report any threats to the Nigerian Mission.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the factors responsible for the attacks.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation exercise was coordinated in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several government agencies, including the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Aviation and Health, as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
The ministry said the operation underscored the government’s determination to protect Nigerian citizens and uphold their dignity in the face of violence and intolerance.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling, and medical screening procedures.
Authorities said temporary accommodation and other support services would be provided before they are reunited with their families.
RN
