By Gabriel Ameh
The first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in Nigeria.
The special evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Thursday morning.
The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by Acting High Commissioner Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, and were officially received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking during the reception, Enikanolaiye described the evacuation as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
He conveyed the President’s assurances to the returnees, stressing that the Federal Government remains dedicated to protecting Nigerian citizens wherever they reside.
According to the Minister, the evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
He emphasized that the swift intervention reflects the Federal Government’s proactive approach to safeguarding Nigerians affected by violence and intolerance.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment anywhere in the world. This evacuation became necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people,” Enikanolaiye stated.
The Minister also commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for its role in coordinating the evacuation and urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant and maintain contact with the Nigerian Mission in the event of any security concerns.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is actively engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the underlying causes of the attacks.
The evacuees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening procedures. Government authorities are also providing temporary accommodation and support before they are reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians worldwide and called for calm as diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation continue.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
