‎FG To Receives First Batch of 268 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

‎The Federal Government is set to receive the first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
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‎The returnees are expected to arrive aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
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‎According to NTANetwork, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, will officially receive the evacuees on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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‎The ministry disclosed that the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the 268 passengers on the evacuation flight from Pretoria.
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‎Meanwhile, the Federal Government has extended the screening exercise for Nigerians willing to voluntarily return home due to the xenophobic attacks. The exercise, being conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, will now continue until Sunday, June 14, 2026, to enable more affected citizens to register for evacuation.
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‎The ministry assured that adequate reception, documentation and reintegration support mechanisms have been put in place through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the returnees receive necessary assistance upon arrival.
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‎Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of citizens abroad, the Federal Government stated that the protection of Nigerians overseas remains a key pillar of the country’s foreign policy.
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‎The evacuation follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals affected by renewed incidents of xenophobic violence in South Africa.