Anti-foreigner sentiment: 270 Nigerian nationals return home from South Africa today

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By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

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The Federal Government has approved five evacuation flights to bring home Nigerians who have indicated interest to return from South Africa, following renewed xenophobic tensions in that country.

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Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this to journalists yesterday.

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This came as the government extended the screening of Nigerians registered for evacuation to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to enable more applicants complete the verification process.

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According to Ebienfa, over 500 Nigerians have so far been screened and cleared for evacuation.

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He said President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace, with the first flight expected to depart Johannesburg this evening.

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The first flight is expected to airlift about 270 passengers, subject to the necessary permits and clearances being secured for the aircraft.

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Ebienfa said: “I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening of Nigerian nationals that have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

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“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared. Mr. President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace and the first flight, which will airlift about 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday (today) evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.

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“Departure time and estimated time of arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, will be provided when I receive updates from our High Commission in South Africa.”

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The ministry had earlier announced that the screening, which commenced on Thursday, would end on Saturday.

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Earlier reports indicated that more than 1,000 Nigerians had registered for voluntary repatriation

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However, the process has now been extended as authorities continue to verify Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation.

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