A fresh batch of 271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived in Lagos on Tuesday as the Federal Government continues its voluntary repatriation programme for citizens seeking to return home.
The Air Peace flight conveying the returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, shortly before 11:00 a.m., after departing Johannesburg at about 5:00 a.m. local time.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) were on ground to receive the evacuees and coordinate their arrival.
The latest evacuation forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to assist Nigerians who have voluntarily opted to return home amid growing anti-immigration sentiment and security concerns in South Africa.
The repatriation exercise comes as South Africa faces heightened tensions over undocumented migration, following a June 30 deadline reportedly issued by vigilante groups and other organisations calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
The Federal Government has been working with Nigerian diplomatic officials and relevant agencies to facilitate the safe return of affected citizens following the earlier repatriation of 262 citizens.
The latest arrival follows earlier announcements by government officials that additional evacuation flights would be arranged for Nigerians willing to return from South Africa as authorities continue to monitor developments.
Government agencies are expected to provide necessary support and reintegration assistance to the returnees following their arrival in Nigeria.
More official details are expected as authorities conclude the reception process and provide updates on the evacuation programme.SEO Assets
