Emergency Evacuation: First Batch of Over 200 Nigerians Safely Transmited to Lagos From South Africa
The federal government has commenced the emergency evacuation of citizens stranded in South Africa following an escalating wave of hostile protests and xenophobic threats against foreign nationals.
A coordinated, multi-agency humanitarian operation swung into full effect on Friday morning to ensure the safe reception of vulnerable citizens.
The development marks the beginning of a larger mass migration exercise aimed at safeguarding lives before an impending end-of-month deadline issued by local hostile groups.
According to Arise News online, the first batch of 258 Nigerian returnees safely touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 10:25 a.m.
Upon arrival, emergency officials immediately initiated profiling and documentation processes to determine the specific socioeconomic, psychological, and educational needs of the returnees.
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons confirmed that the individuals received welcome packs and financial seed support, alongside cash and airtime donations from corporate bodies like MTN to assist their immediate reintegration.
The returnees, who are not criminals but ordinary individuals forced to shut down businesses and withdraw children from school, shared harrowing tales of jealousy, targeted shootings, and asset loss in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
While acknowledging the South African government’s diplomatic pledge to clamp down on protest ringleaders, Nigerian officials emphasized that subnational governments must now take immediate responsibility.
Some state leaders have already stepped up, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma reportedly providing one million naira to each returnee from his state to cushion the displacement.
This initial flight represents the first phase of an estimated 1,000 Nigerians who have formally registered to flee the hostile climate in South Africa. Officials confirmed that Air Peace remains fully on standby to operate subsequent evacuation flights, with the next batch scheduled to depart on Monday.
The multi-flight operation is projected to run consecutively to bring all willing citizens safely back to Nigerian soil before the conclusion of June.
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