The Federal Government has resumed the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with another batch of returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as concerns grow over planned anti-immigrant protests in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria to bring home Nigerians who volunteered to return amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the aircraft left Nigeria on Monday afternoon and was scheduled to return to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, early Tuesday.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today. The Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday at about 3:00 p.m. and is expected to arrive in South Africa around 9:00 p.m. local time,” Ebienfa said.
“The return flight will leave South Africa at midnight and is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday morning,” he added.
The latest evacuation comes ahead of anti-immigrant demonstrations expected to begin on June 30. The Federal Government has been implementing a voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who have indicated their willingness to return home.
Ebienfa urged Nigerians who choose to remain in South Africa after the protests begin to remain vigilant and maintain regular communication with the Nigerian High Commission.
“We advise Nigerians to remain calm and security conscious. They should avoid routes and locations where protesters are gathering and stay in touch with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates,” he said.
The evacuation exercise follows the approval by President Bola Tinubu earlier this month for multiple Air Peace flights to repatriate Nigerians from South Africa.
Government officials had earlier disclosed that more than 500 Nigerians registered for evacuation, with five flights approved to facilitate their return.
So far, 328 Nigerians have been evacuated in two batches. The first flight, which arrived on June 11, returned 262 Nigerians, while a second flight brought home 66 more returnees on June 25.
The Federal Government said it is working closely with South African authorities and relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Nigerians still in the country while continuing the voluntary evacuation programme for those wishing to return home.
