Nigeria ready to evacuate first batch of citizens from South Africa

By Halima Sheji

Nigerian Government has finalised plans to evacuate the first batch of Nigerians from South Africa following reported xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.

The spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to him, the affected Nigerians will depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.

He said the evacuees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Ebienfa added that the evacuation exercise will be carried out by Air Peace Airline.

He said the Federal Government has fully funded the operation, adding that beneficiaries would not bear any cost.

“The first batch of Nigerian nationals to be evacuated due to xenophobic attacks will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night,” he said.

Ebienfa also said relevant ministries, departments and agencies have made arrangements to receive and support the returnees.

“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling and will receive necessary assistance before being reunited with their families,” he said.

(NAN)

FEA/HS