Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
An Air Peace aircraft conveying another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, as the Federal Government continued its repatriation exercise for citizens affected by recent anti-immigration tensions in the country.
The aircraft touched down at about 10:42 a.m., bringing home Nigerians who voluntarily opted to return amid concerns over their safety following protests and hostilities directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
The latest flight is part of an ongoing evacuation programme coordinated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies.
According to the ministry, 271 returnees were scheduled to arrive on Friday, moving the government closer to completing the evacuation of Nigerians who registered for voluntary return.
Several batches of evacuees have already been brought back to Nigeria since the exercise began in June. Earlier flights transported hundreds of Nigerians from Johannesburg to Lagos following growing xenophobic attacks.
The repatriation programme was launched after protests in South Africa triggered fears among many African migrants, including Nigerians, prompting requests for government-assisted evacuations.
Officials are expected to receive the returnees for documentation and other post-arrival procedures before they reunite with their families or receive further assistance from relevant government agencies.
The Federal Government has maintained that it will continue to support Nigerians affected by the situation while pursuing diplomatic engagement aimed at safeguarding the welfare of its citizens living abroad.
