Xenophobia in South Africa
Another batch of 105 Nigerians arrived in Lagos from South Africa on Friday, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated back home to 1,926 since June amid ongoing xenophobic violence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi disclosed that the latest returnees comprised 26 men, 29 women, and 50 children.
Adeniyi noted that Friday’s flight marked the 14th consular evacuation charter operated from South Africa since the Federal Government launched its voluntary repatriation program on June 10.
The evacuation exercise remains ongoing, with more Nigerian nationals currently undergoing document verification and security clearance in South Africa ahead of subsequent airlift operations.
The Federal Government reaffirmed that it continues to collaborate with South African authorities to address the root causes of xenophobic attacks. Meanwhile, Abuja urged Nigerians remaining in South Africa to stay vigilant, maintain strict adherence to local laws, and stay in close communication with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for ongoing consular support.
