Federal Government on Wednesday concluded its emergency evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with the final government-sponsored flight bringing home 308 citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in the country.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in a post on her official X account, confirming that the last evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time and was expected to arrive in Nigeria at 11:30 a.m.
According to the minister, the aircraft carried 308 Nigerian evacuees and three Nigerian officials, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated during the exercise to more than 1,500.
She described the operation as the successful conclusion of the Federal Government’s emergency response to the xenophobic violence that targeted black migrants in South Africa.
“Our prayers are for a safe return,” she said.
Bianca used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving and sustaining the evacuation exercise, describing his intervention as timely and life-saving.
“I wish, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Government’s diplomatic missions, to express our profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for these emergency rescue missions,” she wrote.
She added that, “His decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa imperiled by the spate of xenophobic incidents no doubt saved many precious lives which could have been lost if not for this timely action.”
The minister also praised the President for extending the evacuation programme beyond the June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa.
“His extention of the evacuation exercise even beyond the June 30 deadline issued by Anti-migrant groups in South Africa speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our Nationals in crisis situations,” she stated.
She further said the President’s immediate directive at the onset of the attacks underscored his commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they may be.
“His prompt directive to bring our Nationals home at the beginning of these protests and attacks against Migrants in South Africa, and his concern for the welfare of our citizens endangered as a result, once again, demonstrates his steadfast dedication to the security, well-being and protection of the dignity of the Nigerian national, irrespective of where he or she resides.”
Addressing the President directly, Bianca added: “Your Excellency, You Promised…You Delivered.”
She noted that the government’s swift response had reassured Nigerians that their country would stand by them in moments of crisis.
“This swift response not only brought relief to the affected Nigerians and their families but also reaffirmed the confidence of our citizens in the readiness of their government to stand by them in times of distress,” she said.
The minister also acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and the airline that carried out the evacuation.
She specifically commended the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Alex Ajayi, the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Nini Okey Uche, officers of the Nigerian missions in South Africa, and the management and staff of Air Peace for their roles in the operation.
Expressing gratitude to Nigerians for their support throughout the exercise, Bianca concluded her message with a warm welcome to the evacuees.
“To the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we say Thank you… for your faith, patience and the confidence reposed in us throughout this process.
“And to our returning Nationals, we say, ‘Welcome Home.'”
