Federal Government Evacuates More Nigerians from South Africa
The Nigerian government has evacuated 284 citizens from South Africa, marking the fifth flight dedicated to repatriating nationals from the increasingly hostile environment in the country. This operation underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to address the safety concerns of its citizens abroad.
Operated by Air Peace, the latest flight arrived late Thursday at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. Upon arrival, officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service were on hand to assist and record the new arrivals, ensuring a smooth transition back home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that this airlift is part of a comprehensive repatriation initiative designed to support Nigerian nationals feeling endangered due to mounting xenophobic tensions in South Africa. This situation has drawn significant attention, prompting the government to take action by facilitating safe returns.
To date, Air Peace has conducted four of the five evacuation flights, successfully transporting a total of 1,085 individuals. These included 262 Nigerians on June 11, 271 on June 30, 268 on July 3, and the most recent group of 284. Additionally, ValueJet Airways played a part in this repatriation effort by bringing back 66 individuals on June 24, elevating the total number of evacuated Nigerians to 1,151 during this crisis.
An official statement from Air Peace highlighted the airline’s collaboration with the Federal Government in executing this humanitarian evacuation. The latest flight utilized a Boeing 777-200 widebody aircraft, showcasing the airline’s commitment to providing reliable and safe transportation for Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Through this latest operation, Air Peace has emphasized its readiness to assist in national emergency efforts. The airline proudly noted that it has successfully completed multiple evacuation operations, helping more than 1,000 Nigerians return home safely. This achievement reinforces Air Peace’s readiness to deploy its resources to serve the nation whenever needed.
Kimyebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the recent flight included 272 adults, 12 children, and two government officials, further illustrating the diverse demographic of those affected by the situation in South Africa. The ongoing evacuation efforts not only highlight the challenges faced by Nigerians abroad but also the commitment of the Nigerian government to ensure their safety and return.
