The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic unrest has safely returned to the country.
A total of 268 citizens arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday aboard an Air Peace aircraft deployed by the Federal Government for the evacuation exercise.
The flight, which was initially expected to leave South Africa on Monday, experienced delays linked to documentation and clearance procedures before finally departing on Wednesday.
The repatriation effort was launched amid rising concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where reports of xenophobic attacks have sparked fear among foreign nationals and prompted many to seek assistance in returning home.
Authorities had earlier revealed that over 1,000 Nigerians expressed interest in being evacuated, with plans already underway to organise additional flights for those still stranded.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, previously stated that requests for repatriation had continued to increase as tensions escalated.
She added that officials at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had been working with South African authorities to coordinate the safe return of affected citizens, including individuals dealing with immigration-related challenges.
