258 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive Safely Amid Xenophobic Attacks
The Federal Government has confirmed the safe arrival of the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals evacuated from the Republic of South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuees arrived at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, aboard a special Air Peace evacuation flight which landed at about 10:25 a.m.
The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
Receiving the evacuees on behalf of the Federal Government was the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who conveyed the greetings and assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the returning citizens.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, welfare, and rights of Nigerians living abroad.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation was coordinated in collaboration 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.
The ministry described the operation as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s proactive response to safeguard Nigerian citizens in the face of violence, discrimination, and intolerance.
Speaking during the reception, Ambassador Enikanolaiye stressed that the Federal Government would not remain passive while Nigerians face attacks and harassment anywhere in the world.
He said the swift evacuation reflected the government’s determination to protect its citizens and ensure their well-being.
The ministry noted that the evacuation exercise does not represent a defeat but rather highlights the citizen-focused foreign policy of the Tinubu administration, which prioritises the welfare and security of Nigerians regardless of their location.
Officials disclosed that additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home more Nigerians affected by the unrest in South Africa.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to supporting the returnees and ensuring their safe reintegration while continuing diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the situation and protecting the rights of Nigerians living abroad.
258 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive Safely Amid Xenophobic Attacks