Federal Government has completed the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with the final repatriation flight landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Air Peace-operated aircraft arrived at about 11:30 a.m., conveying 308 returnees alongside three government officials, bringing to an end the government’s phased voluntary repatriation exercise launched in response to rising anti-migrant tensions and safety concerns in South Africa.
The evacuation programme followed weeks of xenophobic threats and protests targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, prompting many Nigerians to register for voluntary return. Earlier flights had brought hundreds of returnees back to the country, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assuring that all registered and cleared Nigerians would be evacuated safely.
Government officials said the exercise underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring their safe return amid the security concerns in South Africa.
