Key facts
- Nigeria has completed the voluntary evacuation of 1,490 citizens from South Africa.
- The evacuation followed a series of xenophobic attacks and related security concerns.
- The final flight on July 15 carried 305 returnees and three Nigerian government officials.
- The operation was coordinated by multiple Nigerian government agencies in partnership with Air Peace and South African Airways.
- Nigeria condemned xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals, reaffirming its commitment to citizens' protection abroad.
Nigeria has successfully concluded the voluntary evacuation of 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa following a series of xenophobic attacks and related security concerns. The final evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, arrived in Lagos on July 15, carrying 305 returnees and three Nigerian government officials who oversaw the operation.
The evacuation program, which began on June 10, involved seven humanitarian flights conducted in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exercise demonstrated the Federal Government's commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
The operation was a result of sustained diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria has strongly condemned the violence against its citizens, emphasizing that xenophobia, racial intolerance, and violence against foreign nationals are unacceptable. The government reaffirmed its longstanding bilateral relations with South Africa while pledging to continue diplomatic engagement to ensure the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for the patriotic support of Air Peace throughout the evacuation program. It also urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, register with their nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission, and maintain contact to facilitate assistance when needed. The government assured the returnees of continued support for their reintegration.