Hundreds seek way home as Nigeria ramps up South Africa evacuation

The Federal Government has postponed the planned evacuation of Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, pushing back the first airlift from Monday to Wednesday because of what officials described as logistical challenges.

The move comes as authorities intensify efforts to bring home citizens who have expressed concerns about their safety amid renewed violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

In a statement issued on Monday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the inaugural evacuation flight, which was originally scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening, would now leave on Wednesday after the completion of necessary permits and operational clearances.

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“The proposed airlifting of the first batch of returnees from South Africa, originally scheduled for Monday, has been rescheduled to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical considerations,”  Ebienfa said.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians.

According to the ministry, the first flight is expected to transport about 270 passengers from Johannesburg to Nigeria.

Ebienfa also announced an extension of the screening and verification exercise being conducted by the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria for citizens wishing to return home.

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“I received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday. So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said.

The extension, which runs until June 10, is intended to accommodate more Nigerians seeking evacuation and ensure an orderly return process.

The ministry said details of the departure schedule and expected arrival time in Lagos would be communicated after further updates from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.

The evacuation exercise reflects the government’s efforts to protect Nigerian citizens abroad and provide safe passage home for those affected by the latest wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa.