FG Schedules Fresh Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government has announced that another batch of Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa on Tuesday as renewed xenophobic attacks continue to threaten the safety of foreign nationals.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that an evacuation flight will depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to bring home more Nigerians who wish to return.

She said the latest operation is part of the government’s ongoing evacuation exercise, noting that three batches of Nigerians have already been repatriated, while the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.

The minister urged Nigerians who consider their lives to be at risk to take advantage of the Federal Government-sponsored evacuation flights.

She explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation programme beyond the June 30 deadline to ensure more citizens have the opportunity to return home safely.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also condemned the killing of two Nigerians during the recent attacks and called on South African authorities to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.

She expressed concern that there are no clear signs of improvement in the security situation, stressing that while lost property and investments can be replaced, lives cannot.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerians abroad and pledged to continue taking necessary measures to safeguard its citizens.