FG to Receive 268 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

By Chinenye Onwusonye 

The Federal Government will on Thursday receive the first batch of 268 Nigerians returning from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country, as part of efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. The statement, dated June 10, 2026, said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, would receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to the ministry, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to escort the first batch of evacuees and formally hand them over to the minister upon their arrival. The evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, is scheduled to land at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11.

The statement noted that the planned reception demonstrates the importance attached by the Federal Government to the well-being of Nigerians living abroad and reflects its citizen-centred foreign policy.

The ministry also announced that the ongoing screening exercise being conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for Nigerians willing to voluntarily return home has been extended until Sunday, June 14, 2026, to enable more affected persons to participate.

It stated that the extension underscores the priority placed on the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a key component of Nigeria’s foreign policy and one of the core responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Federal Government further assured that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies have put in place comprehensive arrangements for the reception, documentation and support of the returnees.

According to the statement, the measures are aimed at ensuring that Nigerians affected by crises abroad receive the necessary assistance, dignity and care upon their return to the country.