269 more Nigerians evacuated from South Africa as FG steps up repatriation efforts

The Federal Government has evacuated another 269 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated within the past week to 335, as authorities intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of nationals ahead of South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

The second evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday from Johannesburg, according to a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The latest batch follows the arrival of 66 Nigerians who returned on June 24 aboard a South African Airways flight facilitated by a Nigerian philanthropist.

The Ministry disclosed that officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the 269 returnees throughout the journey to ensure a smooth and coordinated evacuation process.

On arrival in Lagos, the evacuees were officially received by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department.

Ali-Gombe assured the returnees that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians wherever they reside.

He reaffirmed the administration’s determination to ensure the safety of citizens abroad while providing necessary support for those who choose to voluntarily return home.

The evacuation exercise comes as South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country takes effect, prompting the Nigerian government to accelerate the repatriation programme.

The Ministry stressed that the evacuation operation is ongoing, noting that additional flights are expected in the coming days to bring home all Nigerians who have completed screening and have been cleared for voluntary return.

It added that the Federal Government remains in constant engagement with South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels to safeguard the interests and rights of Nigerians still residing in the country.

The Ministry reiterated that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key priority of President Bola Tinubu administration and assured citizens that every eligible Nigerian willing to return home would be evacuated through the ongoing exercise.