Citizens of Nigeria fleeing anti-foreigner violence in South Africa return to Lagos as prejudice-related unrest persists

Nigerians who were evacuated from South Africa due to recent xenophobic tensions have landed safely in Lagos, marking a successful rescue effort for those who had been living in fear.

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The group of evacuees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, aboard an Air Peace flight, bringing them to safety.

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Their return was facilitated by the Federal Government as part of a coordinated evacuation plan, aimed at protecting Nigerian residents from the renewed attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

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Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was scheduled to greet the returnees upon their arrival at the airport, as a show of support and welcome.

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The evacuation effort comes at a time of heightened concern for the well-being of Nigerians living in South Africa, where reports of violence and attacks on foreign-owned businesses and communities have been on the rise.

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Prior to the evacuation, the Federal Government had pledged to maintain dialogue with South African authorities, with the goal of ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens and preventing further escalation of tensions in the region.