By Mokobia Rita.
ABUJA/Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an emergency evacuation operation for Nigerians affected by renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, authorizing five special repatriation flights to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens seeking safety amid growing tensions in the country.
The evacuation exercise, which is being coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with Air Peace, comes in response to mounting concerns over anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa that have left many Nigerians fearful and anxious about their safety.
However, the Federal Government has announced a slight adjustment to the evacuation schedule, shifting the departure of the first batch of returnees from Monday to Wednesday due to logistical and administrative requirements.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the postponement became necessary to ensure the smooth execution of the operation and allow relevant authorities to conclude critical preparations.
According to him, the first evacuation flight is now expected to depart Johannesburg on Wednesday evening with approximately 270 Nigerian nationals on board, subject to the completion of diplomatic clearances and aviation landing approvals.
Ebienfa disclosed that the registration, screening and verification exercise for Nigerians seeking evacuation had been extended to accommodate more citizens interested in returning home.
“I received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday,” he said.
The ministry’s spokesperson revealed that more than 500 Nigerians had already undergone screening, documentation and verification, with the number expected to rise as the exercise continues.
The extension, officials said, will provide additional time to complete profiling procedures and ensure that all eligible citizens are properly documented before departure.
The emergency intervention follows renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in some parts of South Africa, prompting calls for urgent government action to protect affected Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s approval of the evacuation flights underscores his administration’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerians both at home and abroad, officials noted.
The Federal Government also assured that every Nigerian who wishes to return home under the evacuation arrangement would receive the necessary assistance and support.
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagements between Nigerian and South African authorities are continuing as efforts intensify to safeguard Nigerians who choose to remain in the country.
Officials said the government remains committed to monitoring developments closely while pursuing both humanitarian and diplomatic measures aimed at protecting the interests of Nigerian citizens.
For hundreds of Nigerians awaiting evacuation, the operation represents a crucial lifeline amid uncertainty and fear, offering renewed hope of a safe return home following days of anxiety triggered by the latest wave of xenophobic violence.
