The Federal Government has evacuated 271 additional Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation exercise triggered by renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-immigration protests in parts of the country.
The evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace Boeing 777-200 aircraft, marking the second major flight under the humanitarian evacuation programme.
With the latest arrival, the total number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa has risen to 533, following an initial evacuation of 262 citizens earlier on June 11.
The operation was launched after increasing reports of insecurity prompted many Nigerians in South Africa to seek assistance to return home amid fears of renewed attacks.
Air Peace spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, commended the Federal Government for its swift response and praised the airline’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, for supporting the evacuation effort.
He said the exercise underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in responding to humanitarian emergencies and protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
Air Peace also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national evacuation and emergency missions, noting that it has carried out multiple humanitarian operations across Africa and beyond over the years.
