83 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive in Lagos

Eighty-three Nigerians have returned home from South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic violence targeting African migrants.

The returnees landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg.

They were accompanied by two officials from Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Johannesburg.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development, noting that the evacuation was made possible through the financial support of private individuals who funded the flight tickets.

“The repatriation exercise of this batch of returnees was facilitated through the procurement of flight tickets by good-spirited private individuals, whose generous support enabled their safe return to Nigeria,” Ebienfa stated.

On arrival, the returnees were received by Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department, who welcomed them on behalf of the Federal Government.

They were subsequently handed over to relevant agencies for documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families.

The ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding citizens abroad and ensuring the safe return of those affected by crises.

 It also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian mission in South Africa, private sponsors, and government agencies involved in the evacuation and reintegration process.

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