The Federal Government has completed the fourth phase of the evacuation of Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with another 284 citizens safely returning to the country.
The latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace using a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late night Thursday, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of Nigerians caught up in the crisis.
The exercise was coordinated with relevant government agencies responsible for the evacuation and reception of the returnees.
With the arrival of the latest batch, a total of 1,085 Nigerians have now been evacuated from South Africa in four separate operations.
Previous evacuation flights brought home 262 Nigerians on June 11, 271 on June 30, and 268 on July 3, before the latest operation on July 9.
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Government officials and relevant agencies received the returnees on arrival, where they underwent documentation and other necessary procedures before being provided with appropriate support.
The evacuation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to protect the welfare of Nigerians abroad and respond to emergency situations affecting its citizens.
The government has continued to urge Nigerians living overseas to remain law abiding and to make use of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions whenever they face challenges, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the lives and interests of its citizens wherever they may be.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
