Federal Government has announced a rescheduling of the planned repatriation of Nigerian citizens from South Africa, moving the operation to Wednesday due to what officials described as “unforeseen logistical considerations.”
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the evacuation flight was initially expected to take place on Monday but had to be postponed after coordination challenges arose in final preparations for the exercise.
The repatriation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to bring back over 1,000 Nigerians who registered for voluntary return following renewed xenophobic attacks and rising insecurity targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Reports indicate that screening of affected citizens is being jointly handled by Nigerian diplomatic missions in Pretoria and South African authorities to verify eligibility and documentation before departure.
Officials say the operation will be carried out using an Air Peace aircraft, with arrangements already in place to ensure a safe and coordinated return of the first batch of evacuees. However, details such as the exact number of passengers on the initial flight and their arrival airport in Nigeria have not yet been officially confirmed.
The development comes amid heightened concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, where recent tensions and protests against migrants have triggered renewed diplomatic engagement between both countries.
Nigeria has repeatedly called for stronger protection of its citizens abroad while working with South African authorities to prevent further violence.
Authorities also noted that evacuees with immigration-related issues would not be detained but allowed to return home under the government-supported repatriation programme.
