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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Xenophobia: 270 Nigerians evacuated from S’Africa return Thursday

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • At least 270 Nigerians are returning to Lagos from South Africa on Thursday following xenophobic attacks.
  • The Federal Government is funding and managing the evacuation, which is being coordinated by NEMA.
  • The Nigerian High Commission negotiated waivers for some citizens with immigration issues to allow their departure.

A group of at least 270 Nigerians is scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday, marking the first batch of returnees following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The Federal Government has taken full responsibility for the evacuation, including all funding and logistical arrangements for the reception of citizens upon their arrival.

Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families.

— Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe statement outlined the procedures for the returning Nigerians upon their arrival in Lagos.

The evacuees will fly back to Nigeria aboard an Air Peace aircraft departing Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night. The flight is expected to land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos early Thursday morning. Upon arrival, the returnees will undergo documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families.

The repatriation exercise experienced a delay from its initial Monday start date due to "unforeseen logistical considerations." Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that additional time was needed to complete screening processes in collaboration with South African authorities. Over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa participated in this screening, with the number seeking repatriation continuing to increase.

additional time was required to conclude documentation and screening processes being carried out in collaboration with South African authorities.

— Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign AffairsThe Minister clarified the reasons for the postponement of the evacuation flight.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also reported successful negotiations with South African authorities, securing waivers for some Nigerians facing immigration-related offenses. This allows them to depart via the repatriation program rather than facing detention. The operation is being coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant government bodies, reflecting the government's commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.

negotiated waivers with host authorities

— The Nigerian High Commission in PretoriaThe High Commission reported securing concessions for Nigerians with immigration-related issues.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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