The Nigerian government has evacuated an additional 271 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing efforts to repatriate citizens affected by recent xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
The flight landed at about 10:35 a.m. and was received at the airport’s Cargo and Hajj Terminal, where the passengers were processed by relevant government agencies.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Evacuates 269 More Citizens From South Africa
The evacuation was coordinated by the government following renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks.
With the latest operation, the government has now successfully brought home a total of 533 Nigerians in three batches.
Reacting to the successful mission, Air Peace spokesperson, Mr. Efe Osifo-Whiskey, commended the Nigerian government for swiftly responding to the situation.
”Today’s successful evacuation once again reflects the power of public-private collaboration in safeguarding Nigerian lives. We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad and appreciate our Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, whose enduring patriotism and humanitarian convictions continue to position Air Peace as a dependable national asset in times of need,” he said.
Government has maintained that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a priority, working closely with relevant agencies and Air Peace to ensure the safe return of citizens willing to leave South Africa.
Air Peace, which operated the evacuation flight, said the latest mission further demonstrates its readiness to support government emergency response efforts.
A representative of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dipo Odebowale, said that individuals and organisations had provided financial support to the returnees.
“A church donated N100,000 to each returnee. Pastor Bolaji Idowu also gave N100,000 to each returnee, while MTN provided N100,000 and recharge cards worth N50,000 to each returnee,” Odebowale stated.
Some of the returnees recounted their ugly experiences, stating persistent threats, intimidation and attacks that forced them to abandon their businesses, investments and personal belongings to save their lives.
One of the returnees, Emmanuela Akagosu, said she fled South Africa after years of living in fear and intimidation.
“My experience in South Africa is not good at all. They are not accommodating. They are so jealous because Nigerians are hardworking and enterprising, so they feel threatened,” she said.
They warned their compatriots against migrating to the Southern African nation, describing it as unsafe for foreigners and a place where many Nigerians live in constant fear.
The government is expected to continue monitoring the situation in South Africa while providing support for affected Nigerians and taking appropriate diplomatic steps to safeguard the interests of its citizens overseas.
Meanwhile, Durban and Johannesburg experienced heightened anti immigration protests as the deadline for exit of all illegal immigrants issued by South African protesters expired June 30.
