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Xenophobia: 271 More Evacuated Nigerians Arrive from South Africa Today
Another 271 evacuated Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobia in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos today (Friday) as the Federal Government continues its evacuation programme for citizens who voluntarily registered to return home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the third evacuation flight will land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:30 a.m. on July 3, 2026. The latest group will bring the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 864.
According to the ministry, 593 Nigerians had already returned home through previous evacuation operations. The first batch of 258 evacuees arrived on June 11 aboard a special Air Peace flight and was received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, before being handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling.
The ministry explained that logistical challenges delayed the second evacuation exercise, forcing some stranded Nigerians to remain temporarily at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, where accommodation and welfare support were provided.
It added that a Nigerian philanthropist sponsored the return of 66 stranded Nigerians, who arrived in Lagos on June 24, while another 269 evacuees returned on June 30 through the second government-arranged evacuation flight.
The Federal Government disclosed that three additional evacuation flights will be operated in the coming days to bring home approximately 700 more Nigerians who have already completed registration, screening, and clearance for evacuation.
The ministry also dismissed allegations that officials of the Nigerian High Commission demanded money from Nigerians seeking evacuation.
It stated that all evacuation flights are fully funded by the Federal Government and that no returnee is required to pay any fee.
The ministry described reports that embassy staff requested money as “false” and urged Nigerians to disregard such claims.
Officials further commended the cooperation between government ministries, departments, and agencies involved in the evacuation process, describing the exercise as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
The ministry reaffirmed that safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians overseas remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and pledged continued support for citizens affected by crises outside the country.
The latest evacuation follows renewed anti-illegal immigration protests across several parts of South Africa, which intensified around June 30, 2026. Demonstrators have demanded stricter enforcement of immigration laws, blaming undocumented migrants for rising unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
Although South African authorities insist the demonstrations target illegal immigration rather than any specific nationality, several foreign nationals from African countries have been caught up in the unrest. Reports of attacks on foreign-owned businesses and homes have renewed concerns over xenophobic violence and prompted several countries, including Nigeria, to evacuate their citizens.
The latest protests have once again highlighted South Africa’s recurring challenges with xenophobic violence, which has resurfaced periodically over the past decade during periods of economic hardship and heightened political debate over migration.
