Xenophobia: FG To Receive 268 Evacuated Nigerians From South Africa

The Federal Government will on Thursday receive the first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.

The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight scheduled to land at about 5:00 a.m. on June 11, 2026.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the statement, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, will represent the Federal Government in receiving the evacuees upon arrival.

The ministry stated that the evacuation forms part of efforts by the Nigerian government to assist citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

It also revealed that Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the evacuees on the flight and formally hand them over to the minister on arrival in Lagos.

The government reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, particularly those facing threats to their lives and livelihoods.

According to the ministry, arrangements were made to ensure the safe return of affected citizens who expressed willingness to leave South Africa amid growing concerns over attacks on foreign nationals.

The statement further disclosed that the screening and registration exercise for Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation has been extended until Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The extension, the ministry explained, is intended to accommodate more Nigerians who may wish to return home as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Officials said the government remains in contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions and relevant South African authorities to monitor developments and provide necessary support to affected citizens.

The latest evacuation highlights ongoing concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have periodically faced attacks, intimidation and destruction of property.

The Federal Government urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, cooperate with officials handling the evacuation process and continue observing safety guidelines while efforts to assist affected citizens continue.