The Federal Government has evacuated another 39 Nigerians from Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of its ongoing voluntary evacuation programme for citizens affected by renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant tensions.
The latest group departed South Africa aboard an emergency Air Peace flight arranged to transport Nigerians who were unable to board the previous evacuation flight.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the additional flight was organized to ensure that the regular evacuation schedule was not disrupted while accommodating stranded nationals who had completed the necessary documentation after the earlier departure.
The aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday evening.
The ministry commended Air Peace for providing the emergency service, describing the airline’s intervention as an important contribution to the government’s efforts to safely return affected citizens.
Authorities also confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying about 300 Nigerians is expected to arrive in the country next week, marking the final phase of the current evacuation exercise.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, particularly those affected by the recent wave of violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The evacuation programme was launched in June following renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, which forced many Nigerians to seek voluntary repatriation.
Hundreds of Nigerians have already returned home under the exercise, with the government continuing to work alongside relevant agencies and transport operators to facilitate the safe return of those who wish to leave South Africa.
