S’Africa attacks: FG completes evacuation, brings 1,490 Nigerians home

The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,490.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Wednesday, saying the latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 11:30 a.m.

According to the ministry, the aircraft conveyed 308 passengers, comprising 305 returnees and three Nigerian government officials who coordinated and supervised the evacuation exercise.

It said the evacuation was carried out following sustained engagement with the South African government in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

The ministry stated that with the latest operation, the Federal Government had evacuated 1,490 Nigerians through coordinated humanitarian flights undertaken in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways.

The breakdown showed that 258 Nigerians returned on the first Air Peace flight on June 10, 66 on a South African Airways flight on June 24, 272 on the second Air Peace flight on June 30, 268 on the third Air Peace flight on July 2, 282 on the fourth Air Peace flight on July 9, 39 on a South African Airways flight on July 11, and 305 on the fifth Air Peace flight on July 15.

The ministry said the evacuation exercise reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad under its Citizens’ Diplomacy policy.

It added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate-General in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Port Health Services and other agencies to coordinate the exercise.

The statement read, “The evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy.

“The government remains resolute in ensuring that every Nigerian, irrespective of location, receives the necessary consular support and protection whenever circumstances demand.”

The Federal Government also expressed appreciation to Air Peace Limited for its continued support throughout the evacuation programme,

While reaffirming Nigeria’s cordial relations with South Africa, the government maintained that xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals remained unacceptable and pledged to continue engaging the South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

The ministry urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate prompt consular assistance whenever necessary.

It also welcomed the returnees and assured them of continued government support to facilitate their reintegration into society.(Punch)