268 Repatriated Nigerians Return Home as South Africa Xenophobia Crisis Deepens

The first group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following the latest wave of xenophobic violence has arrived in Lagos.

The 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight as part of the Federal Government’s repatriation effort for citizens affected by the unrest.

The evacuation flight was initially scheduled to depart earlier in the week but was delayed due to documentation challenges involving some of the passengers.

Authorities say more than 1,000 Nigerians have so far indicated interest in returning home as concerns grow over their safety and welfare in South Africa.

Earlier this week, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the number of Nigerians seeking repatriation continued to rise.

She explained that Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria had secured waivers from South African authorities to enable citizens with immigration-related issues to leave the country without facing detention.

To accommodate the growing number of applicants, the screening exercise for prospective returnees was extended beyond its initial deadline.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the extension was aimed at ensuring that more affected Nigerians were captured in the evacuation programme.

The ministry said the move reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, describing the welfare of citizens overseas as a key component of the country’s foreign policy.

It added that arrangements had been made by relevant government agencies to provide reception, documentation and support services for the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.