FG To Receive 268 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa on Thursday

The Federal Government will on Thursday receive the first batch of 268 Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
‎
‎Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, will receive the returnees on behalf of the government at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
‎
‎The Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to escort the passengers on an Air Peace evacuation flight scheduled to arrive at 5:00am on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
‎
‎The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the screening exercise by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria for nationals willing to return voluntarily has been extended to Sunday, June 14, 2026, to accommodate more persons affected by the attacks.
‎
‎It assured that reception, documentation and support arrangements have been put in place through relevant MDAs to ensure affected Nigerians receive dignity, care and necessary assistance.
‎
‎The Ministry reiterated that the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
‎
‎Xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, has recurred in South Africa over the years, prompting periodic evacuations by the Federal Government.