FG receives 268 Nigerians fleeing attacks in S/Africa today

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Nigerian government will be welcoming 286 of its nationals fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa today at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
The returnees, who were expected to arrive Lagos in the morning would be welcomed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In a press statement released in Abuja Wednesday, signed by Spokesperson of Nigerian Foreign Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it informed that the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Amb. Alexander Ajayi was expected to escort the first batch of 268 passengers to the country and hand them over to the Minister in Lagos.
“In demonstration of the importance attached to the well-being of Nigerians abroad and the Federal Government’s citizen-centred foreign policy, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will be at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to escort the first batch of 268 passengers to the country and hand them over to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The estimated time of arrival of the evacuation flight operated by Air Peace Airlines is 5.00am on Thursday 11th June, 2026.
“The Ministry wishes to also inform that the ongoing screening exercise by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria for Nigerian nationals willing to voluntarily return to the country due to the ongoing xenophobic attacks has been extended to Sunday, 14th June 2026, to accommodate more persons.
“This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“It also reflects the Government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises abroad receive the necessary support, dignity, and care.
“The Ministry further wishes to assure the public that the Federal Government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), has put in place comprehensive reception, documentation, and support arrangements for the returnees” the statement concluded.