1,500 Saved as Nigeria-SA Evacuation Ends

​The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially concluded its emergency evacuation of citizens from South Africa, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,490. This humanitarian effort, launched in response to a surge in xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests, successfully relocated hundreds of Nigerians who had been living in fear for their lives and livelihoods.

​The final phase of the operation culminated on Wednesday morning with the arrival of 308 returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The flight, which departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, also carried three Nigerian government officials who were instrumental in coordinating the logistics of the mission.

​A Swift Diplomatic Response

​The evacuation exercise, which commenced in early June following threats from anti-migrant groups that targeted foreign nationals for expulsion by June 30, was fully funded by the Federal Government. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasized that the decision to airlift citizens was a direct intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent the loss of life.

​“His decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa… no doubt saved many precious lives,” the Minister stated in a recent address. She further noted that the President’s decision to extend the rescue mission beyond the initial June 30 deadline underscored his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of Nigerians, regardless of their location.

​Reintegration and Support

​With the arrival of the final batch, the focus of the government has now shifted toward the long-term well-being of the returnees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a comprehensive profiling and documentation process is currently underway to ensure each individual receives the necessary support.

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​The Federal Government is currently evaluating a potential financial support package as part of a broader reintegration program. This initiative aims to provide returnees with vocational training and educational placement for displaced students. Officials are working in partnership with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, to help the returnees rebuild their lives in Nigeria.

​Diplomatic missions in South Africa, including the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate-General in Johannesburg, were highly commended for their roles in managing the delicate evacuation process under intense pressure.

​Nigeria evacuates citizens from South Africa

​This video provides on-the-ground reporting of the evacuation process and the impact of the xenophobic unrest on Nigerians living in South Africa.