The Federal Government scheduled the next evacuation flight for Nigerians from South Africa on Tuesday. Officials acted to protect citizens amid rising xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu coordinated the operation. The government used Air Peace Airlines for the flights. Earlier batches brought hundreds of Nigerians home safely after they registered for voluntary repatriation.
Nigerians faced threats ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups. The Federal Government screened and cleared citizens for return. President Bola Tinubu approved multiple flights to airlift those who wished to leave.
The first flight carried over 260 returnees. Subsequent operations continued in phases. Officials assured that the government funded the process and provided support for reintegration upon arrival in Nigeria.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed the Tuesday departure. She stated that the flight would transport another group of screened Nigerians from Johannesburg. The move addressed anxiety among citizens in South Africa.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law abiding and avoid protest areas. Officials processed registrations at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the consulate in Johannesburg. Over one thousand citizens had indicated interest in evacuation.
The operation formed part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigerians abroad. The government promised continued assistance for returnees to restart their lives in Nigeria.
