By Caroline Ameh
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to protect Nigerians affected by the ongoing xenophobic tensions in South Africa, with 268 citizens expected to arrive in Lagos on a special evacuation flight on Thursday.
The returnees are scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 5:00 a.m. aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight coordinated by Nigerian authorities.
In a show of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is expected to personally receive the evacuees upon arrival.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the returnees from South Africa and formally hand them over to government officials in Lagos.
The Ministry described the evacuation as part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to safeguarding Nigerians in the diaspora, emphasizing that the protection of citizens remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
As part of ongoing repatriation efforts, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has extended its screening exercise for Nigerians willing to voluntarily return home. The exercise will now continue until Sunday, June 14, 2026, to accommodate more citizens seeking evacuation amid growing security concerns linked to xenophobic violence.
The Federal Government also assured that comprehensive reception arrangements have been put in place for the returnees. These include documentation, welfare assistance, and reintegration support through relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Officials said the coordinated intervention demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to ensure that citizens affected by crises abroad receive adequate support and are safely reintegrated into society upon their return.
