Nigeria South Africa Evacuation sees first batch of citizens return to Lagos after xenophobic attacks prompted urgent government action

A group of evacuated Nigerians has returned to the country following renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday aboard an Air Peace aircraft.

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Nigeria executes South Africa evacuation plan marks the first batch of returnees facilitated by the Federal Government in response to escalating attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, which had triggered widespread concern among affected communities.

Officials confirmed that the evacuees landed safely in Lagos as part of coordinated efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring back Nigerians who had registered for evacuation.

The return comes amid reports of renewed violence and discrimination against foreign residents in parts of South Africa, raising alarm within diplomatic and humanitarian circles.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first group of evacuees was scheduled to arrive on Thursday morning, with further phases of evacuation expected to follow.

Government authorities have stated that arrangements are in place to support returnees as they reintegrate, including rehabilitation measures for those affected by the crisis.

Nigeria responds to South Africa evacuation effort is part of broader diplomatic engagement aimed at ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad while addressing rising tensions in affected regions.

Officials at the airport received the returnees as they disembarked, marking a significant step in the government’s response to the unfolding situation.