Government Receives 268 Evacuees from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
The Federal Government has received 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight and were received on behalf of the government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Officials said the returnees represent the first batch of Nigerians opting for voluntary repatriation, as concerns grow over safety amid escalating anti-immigrant violence in South Africa.
The evacuation follows a wider wave of xenophobic attacks that have affected multiple African nationals, forcing several countries—including Nigeria—to organize return flights for citizens seeking to leave.
Authorities also confirmed that screening for additional Nigerians willing to return is ongoing, reflecting continued fears among migrants as tensions persist.
The development underscores growing diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, as both governments face pressure to protect foreign nationals and address the root causes of recurring xenophobic violence.
