268 Nigerians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa return home
A group of Nigerians displaced by a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has returned home, following an evacuation operation coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
An Air Peace aircraft conveying 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday, bringing back those who chose to leave South Africa rather than remain amid escalating violence and insecurity.
The evacuation comes in response to renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, who have been affected by attacks reportedly targeting immigrants in parts of South Africa.
Footage aired by ARISE NEWS showed the returnees arriving in Nigeria after the special Air Peace flight operation. Many of those evacuated were said to have opted for voluntary repatriation due to fears for their safety and the uncertainty surrounding the situation in their host communities.
The Federal Government had said more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated their willingness to leave South Africa and return home, with additional evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
The latest development has once again drawn attention to the recurring challenge of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced attacks, destruction of property, and displacement.
The successful evacuation by Air Peace underscores the airline’s continued role in humanitarian and emergency operations involving Nigerian citizens abroad. It also highlights growing concerns over the welfare and protection of Nigerians living outside the country.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation while providing support for the returnees as they reintegrate into their communities.
