FG: 1,490 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa in Seven Repatriation Batches

The federal government says it has repatriated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following an uptick in xenophobic violence in the country.

The repatriation exercise began on June 11 and ended on Wednesday.

Although the federal government paid for five flights, two additional batches returned to Nigeria on emergency arrangements, bringing the total batches of repatriation batches to seven.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the federal ministry of foreign affairs, provided a breakdown of the evacuation programme.

Ebienfa said the foreign affairs ministry worked closely with the Nigerian high commission in Pretoria, the consulate-general of Nigeria in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), port health services and other relevant agencies to ensure coordinate the exercise, from registration to departure and reception of returnees in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government expresses profound appreciation to Air Peace Limited for its continued patriotism and partnership and support throughout the evacuation programme,” the statement reads.

Ebienfa said while Nigeria appreciates its longstanding bilateral relations with South Africa, the federal government reiterates its firm position that xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals are unacceptable.

He said Nigeria would continue to engage constructively with South African authorities through diplomatic channels to promote the safety, security and peaceful coexistence of all residents.

Ebienfa urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission, and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate prompt assistance whenever necessary.

Here is a timeline of the evacuation programme.

June 10: Air Peace – 258 returnees (first flight)

June 24: South African Airways — 66 returnees (first emergency flight)

June 30: Air Peace – 272 returnees (second flight)

July 2: Air Peace – 268 returnees (third flight)

July 9: Air Peace – 282 returnees (fourth flight).

July 11: South African Airways — 39 returnees (second emergency flight)

July 15: Air Peace – 305 returnees (fifth flight)

Total: 1, 490