The Nigerian government has begun the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with the first batch of 268 returnees arriving in Lagos this morning.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on behalf of the federal government. The Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, escorted this first group and formally handed them over to the minister.

The Air Peace evacuation flight touched down in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m.

In a statement released yesterday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry also announced that the ongoing screening for Nigerians willing to voluntarily return home has been extended to Sunday, June 14, 2026. This extension is intended to accommodate more affected persons still in South Africa.

The ministry emphasized that the extension reflects the federal government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of its citizens abroad. It further assured that all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have put in place adequate reception, documentation, and support arrangements for the returnees upon their arrival.