Another 105 Nigerians arrived in Lagos from South Africa on Friday, bringing the total repatriated since June to 1,926. The Nigerian foreign ministry confirmed the figures on Tuesday, noting the ongoing evacuation programme following xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The group included 26 men, 29 women, and 50 children, according to Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the foreign ministry spokesperson. This latest flight was the 14th consular evacuation since the programme began on June 10.
The Nigerian government has maintained efforts to bring citizens home amid rising xenophobic violence in South Africa. Officials in Abuja said they were working with South African authorities to address the situation while urging Nigerians living there to remain vigilant and adhere to local laws.
Nigerians in South Africa were also advised to stay in contact with the Nigerian mission in Pretoria to access consular assistance. The evacuation exercise continues, with more Nigerians undergoing verification and clearance for repatriation.
The xenophobic attacks that prompted the evacuations began in early June. Since then, the Nigerian government has organised multiple flights to bring its citizens back. The number approaching 2,000 reflects the scale of displacement caused by the violence targeting foreign nationals.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. The Nigerian foreign ministry’s ongoing communication urges caution among Nigerians in South Africa, reflecting concerns over safety and security.
The latest repatriation flight underscores the persistence of the crisis months after the initial attacks. The Nigerian government’s response has focused on evacuation and diplomatic engagement, while the situation on the ground in South Africa remains tense.
The scale of the evacuations suggests a protracted period of instability for Nigerians living in South Africa. The foreign ministry’s continuing involvement indicates the government’s prioritisation of citizen safety amid uncertain conditions.
According to Joy Online.
