JUST IN: FG Evacuates 258 Nigerians from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, NIS says

Africa, Crime Diary

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 258 Nigerians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, killings, and destruction of properties targeting foreign African nationals in the country.

The first batch of the voluntary returnees arrived in Nigeria on Thursday under the Federal Government’s emergency evacuation programme for distressed citizens abroad.

According to officials, the evacuees, including women and children, were transported aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg and landed at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 10:23 a.m.

The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted immigration clearance procedures before handing the evacuees over to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for further documentation and support.

The reception exercise was led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard M. Doro, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Also present were representatives of key government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and other relevant stakeholders.

Government officials described the evacuation as part of ongoing efforts to protect the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens facing distress abroad.

The Nigeria Immigration Service stated that the smooth and orderly reception process reflects the agency’s commitment to effective migration management and citizen protection.

According to the Service, the exercise aligns with the Federal Government’s citizen-centred diplomatic policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Authorities also assured the returnees of continued support and reintegration assistance as they settle back into the country.

The evacuation follows renewed xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians and other African migrants, have reportedly been subjected to violent attacks, with many killed, intimidation, and destruction of businesses and properties.