Nigeria’s evacuation of citizens affected by anti-migrant violence in South Africa gathered pace on Friday as another batch of returnees arrived safely in Lagos.
An Air Peace flight conveying the fourth batch of evacuees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with 268 Nigerians onboard, alongside two officers and crew members.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu confirmed that the special charter flight, funded by the Federal Government, departed O. R. Tambo International Airport at 5:36am.
According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that evacuation efforts continue beyond the June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa.
She disclosed that nearly 600 Nigerians had already been evacuated in three earlier batches before the deadline, with ongoing efforts to ensure all registered citizens willing to return home are safely repatriated.
The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad, describing their safety and dignity as a central pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The evacuation comes amid rising tensions in South Africa, where thousands joined protests this week demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals. Demonstrations in cities including Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town were marked by isolated violence, looting and clashes with security forces.
Anti-immigrant groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, have intensified pressure on undocumented migrants, blaming them for unemployment and strained public services.
Police said at least four foreign nationals, including two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian and a Malawian, have been killed in the latest wave of violence.
Nigeria is also pursuing compensation for citizens forced to abandon businesses and properties in South Africa. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner Alexander Ajayi said the government is documenting losses suffered by returnees to support future discussions with South African authorities.
Ajayi said affected Nigerians have been asked to provide detailed records of abandoned businesses, vehicles and other assets to help the government pursue compensation claims.
