The final evacuation flight carrying stranded Nigerians from South Africa has safely arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, marking the successful conclusion of the Federal Government’s emergency evacuation exercise following recent xenophobic attacks.
The Air Peace aircraft landed at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, bringing home 315 Nigerian returnees who had been affected by the wave of violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
The arrival of the final batch officially brings to an end the government’s coordinated airlift operation aimed at rescuing Nigerians who were displaced, stranded, or forced to flee due to the attacks.
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Final batch of evacuees arrives in Lagos
The latest flight completed the evacuation programme initiated by the Federal Government after reports of widespread xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Airport officials and government representatives were on hand to receive the returnees upon arrival.
After landing, the evacuees underwent routine immigration, documentation, and health screening procedures before beginning the process of reuniting with their families and loved ones.
Many of those returning had endured weeks of uncertainty after violence disrupted their businesses, homes, and daily lives.
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Federal Government concludes evacuation operation
The evacuation exercise was coordinated through a partnership involving the Federal Government, Air Peace, and several relevant government agencies responsible for foreign affairs, immigration, and emergency response.
Officials described the operation as part of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad during periods of crisis.
The successful completion of the final flight signals the end of one of the country’s largest recent emergency evacuation missions involving citizens trapped by civil unrest outside Nigeria.
Authorities are expected to continue providing support for the returnees as they reintegrate into their communities.
Xenophobic attacks triggered emergency response
The evacuation programme was launched after fresh outbreaks of xenophobic violence targeted foreign nationals, including many Nigerians, living in South Africa.
During the attacks, several Nigerian-owned businesses were reportedly looted and destroyed, while many citizens fled for safety.
Reports also indicated that some Nigerians lost their lives during the unrest, while others sustained injuries or were displaced from their homes.
The violence created widespread fear among members of the Nigerian community, prompting calls for immediate government intervention.
Emotional return for many Nigerians
For many of the returnees, the flight back to Nigeria marked the end of a traumatic experience.
Several evacuees reportedly left behind businesses, personal belongings, and years of hard work while escaping the violence.
Although returning home provides relief from the immediate danger, many now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives and replacing what was lost.
Government agencies are expected to continue assessing the needs of the evacuees and determine possible areas of assistance.
Nigeria renews calls for protection of citizens abroad
The latest evacuation has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in foreign countries.
Over the years, Nigeria has repeatedly called on governments to ensure the protection of foreign nationals and prevent attacks motivated by xenophobia or discrimination.
The Federal Government has also continued diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to strengthen bilateral relations while emphasizing the need to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens residing in the country.
Hope after a difficult chapter
Although the evacuation exercise has officially ended, discussions surrounding the protection of African migrants and the fight against xenophobia are expected to continue.
For the 315 Nigerians who arrived on the final Air Peace flight—and those evacuated earlier—the priority now is recovery, reunification with family members, and rebuilding their lives after a painful ordeal.
The successful completion of the airlift operation represents a significant humanitarian effort and offers hope to many families who have anxiously awaited the safe return of their loved ones.
