FG to Evacuate 271 More Nigerians from South Africa as Repatriation Continues

The Federal Government has announced that another 271 Nigerians stranded by the recent wave of xenophobic unrest in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos today (Friday), as efforts to evacuate affected citizens continue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stating that the incoming group forms part of the ongoing voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who registered to return home.

According to the ministry, the third evacuation flight is scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, carrying 271 returnees.

The ministry noted that 593 Nigerians had already been successfully evacuated through earlier operations.

It recalled that the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived on June 11 aboard a special Air Peace flight. They were received on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, before being handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling.

The ministry explained that operational and logistical challenges delayed the second evacuation exercise, leading to the temporary accommodation of some stranded Nigerians at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, where they received welfare support.

It added that a Nigerian philanthropist sponsored the airfare for 66 evacuees, who returned to Nigeria on June 24, while another 269 Nigerians arrived on June 30 through the second government-coordinated evacuation flight.

The ministry further disclosed that three additional evacuation flights have been scheduled to bring home approximately 700 more Nigerians who have completed the registration, screening and clearance process.

Reacting to allegations that officials of the Nigerian Mission demanded money from intending evacuees, the ministry described the claims as false and misleading.

It stressed that all evacuation flights are fully funded by the Federal Government and that no returnee is required to pay any fee.

The ministry urged members of the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise, describing them as fake and unfounded.

It also commended the various ministries, departments and agencies involved in the exercise for their collaboration, noting that the coordinated effort has contributed significantly to the success of the evacuation programme.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, the ministry said protecting citizens overseas remains a key priority of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

It added that the evacuation exercise demonstrates the government’s resolve to provide support, care and protection for Nigerians affected by crises in foreign countries.

South Africa has recently witnessed renewed anti-illegal immigration protests in several cities and migrant-populated communities, with demonstrators demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

Although South African authorities insist the protests are directed at illegal immigration rather than any particular nationality, the unrest has reportedly escalated in some areas, resulting in attacks on businesses and properties owned by foreign nationals.

The situation has once again raised concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa and prompted several countries, including Nigeria, to step up efforts to assist their citizens.