The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,490.

The latest evacuation saw 305 Nigerians airlifted from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg aboard an Air Peace flight, which arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday morning. The flight also conveyed three Nigerian government officials who coordinated the exercise.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the completion of the fifth phase reflects its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy,” the ministry stated.

According to the ministry, the evacuation programme was conducted in partnership with Air Peace and South African Airways, which have operated a series of humanitarian flights since June.

The ministry disclosed that 258 Nigerians were evacuated on June 10 by Air Peace, followed by 66 by South African Airways on June 24. Subsequent Air Peace flights returned 272 Nigerians on June 30, 268 on July 2, 282 on July 9, while South African Airways airlifted 39 more on July 11 before the final batch of 305 arrived on Wednesday.

The government said the operation followed sustained diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa in response to renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Evacuation process

The evacuation was jointly coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.

The Federal Government also commended Air Peace for its support throughout the evacuation exercise.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, receives the necessary consular support and protection whenever the need arises,” the ministry added.

While reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with South Africa, the Federal Government condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals.

It also assured Nigerians living abroad of continued protection through proactive diplomatic engagement and consular support, urging citizens overseas to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate timely assistance.

The government welcomed the returnees and pledged continued support through relevant agencies to aid their reintegration into society.