The third batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa over rising xenophobic tensions has arrived in Lagos as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing repatriation exercise.
The evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, brought about 271 returnees and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier confirmed that the third batch of evacuees would arrive on Tuesday.
The repatriation followed a June 30 ultimatum reportedly issued by vigilante groups and other organisations in South Africa, demanding undocumented migrants to leave the country amid growing xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals.
In response to growing tensions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration but urged that any protests must remain peaceful and lawful.
He warned against violence, intimidation, vandalism, and attacks on foreign nationals, stressing that immigration enforcement is solely the responsibility of the government.
The latest arrival comes after the first two batches, which brought back 258 and 66 Nigerians respectively.
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