Tinubu Orders Emergency Airlift of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa Violence

 


By Abdulahi Musa 


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the evacuation of more than 500 Nigerians residing in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.


According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the President authorized five evacuation flights to facilitate the safe return of affected Nigerians.


The flights will be operated by [Air Peace](https://www.flyairpeace.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with the first aircraft scheduled to depart from Johannesburg on Wednesday. The inaugural flight is expected to airlift about 270 passengers who have already undergone screening and clearance procedures.


The evacuation exercise comes in response to recent anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, during which businesses owned by Nigerians were reportedly attacked. Several foreign nationals were also said to have been killed in a wave of violence directed at immigrants from various African countries.


Meanwhile, Nigeria's diplomatic mission in Pretoria has extended the screening process for citizens wishing to return home. The mission announced that registration and verification of interested Nigerians will continue until Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to allow more affected persons to benefit from the evacuation programme.


The Federal Government said the move underscores its commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly in situations that threaten their safety and security.

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