Nigeria postpones evacuation flights for citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa as screening continues, with over 500 cleared.
The Federal Government has postponed the planned evacuation of Nigerian citizens seeking to return home from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks that have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
The first batch of evacuees, originally scheduled to be airlifted on Monday, will now depart on Wednesday after authorities adjusted the timeline to address operational and logistical requirements associated with the exercise.
The announcement was made by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who explained that the decision was taken to ensure that all arrangements are properly concluded before the commencement of the evacuation operation.
The latest development comes amid growing anxiety among Nigerians residing in South Africa, where reports of xenophobic attacks have once again sparked fears among immigrant communities.
The incidents have prompted many affected individuals to seek assistance from Nigerian authorities to facilitate their safe return home.
According to the ministry, President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive evacuation plan involving five separate flights to transport willing Nigerians back to the country.
The operation is expected to be carried out by Air Peace, which has been designated as the airline responsible for the humanitarian mission.
Government officials stated that the adjustment in the departure schedule is not linked to any security concerns but rather to the need to complete all required aviation procedures, secure the necessary permits, and coordinate logistics between Nigerian and South African authorities.
The first evacuation flight is expected to transport approximately 270 passengers from Johannesburg to Nigeria on Wednesday evening. Officials expressed confidence that all outstanding clearances would be secured before the new departure date.
As part of the process, the Federal Government has also extended the screening and registration exercise for Nigerians interested in returning home.
The extension will allow additional citizens who may have been unable to complete the process earlier to register and undergo verification.
Ebienfa disclosed that information received from Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria confirmed that the screening programme remains active and that significant progress has been made in documenting prospective returnees.
He revealed that more than 500 Nigerian nationals have already been screened and cleared for evacuation. The figure is expected to increase as registration continues and more individuals come forward to participate in the programme.
The government believes that extending the screening period will help ensure that all eligible citizens are properly documented before boarding the evacuation flights.
Officials also noted that accurate records are necessary to guarantee a smooth operation and avoid delays once flights begin.
The renewed concern over xenophobic attacks has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by foreign nationals living in South Africa.
While the country remains home to thousands of Nigerians and other African migrants who contribute to various sectors of the economy, periodic outbreaks of violence and hostility toward immigrants have continued to generate concern across the continent.
For many Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks, the evacuation programme offers an opportunity to return home safely while authorities continue to monitor developments.
Several community leaders have reportedly welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, describing it as a timely response to the concerns of citizens abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the welfare and protection of Nigerians outside the country remain a priority for the administration. Officials stressed that government agencies, diplomatic missions, and aviation partners are working closely together to ensure the success of the operation.
Air Peace is expected to play a central role in the evacuation effort by providing the aircraft required for the movement of returnees. The airline has previously participated in similar humanitarian and emergency operations involving Nigerian citizens stranded abroad.
Observers say the evacuation initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to responding swiftly during emergencies affecting Nigerians overseas.
While the delay may have disappointed some prospective returnees, authorities insist that the additional time is necessary to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated operation.
As preparations continue, affected Nigerians are being encouraged to complete their registration and screening procedures before the revised departure date.
Government officials have assured participants that every effort is being made to guarantee their safety and comfort throughout the journey.
With over 500 people already cleared and more expected to register in the coming days, the evacuation exercise is shaping up to be one of the largest responses to xenophobic attacks involving Nigerian citizens in recent years.
The Federal Government remains optimistic that the operation will proceed successfully and provide much-needed relief to those seeking to leave South Africa.
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