Repatriated Nigerians Arrive In Abuja As Government Responds To Anti-Migrant Violence In South Africa

Repatriated Nigerians Arrive in Abuja as Government Responds to Anti-Migrant Violence in South Africa An aircraft conveying Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed hostilities and attacks targeting black African migrants has arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, marking the first batch of citizens repatriated under the Federal Government’s emergency evacuation programme. The returnees were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government agencies, who coordinated arrangements for their reception, documentation and immediate welfare.The evacuation followed a wave of violence and xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, where black African migrants, including Nigerians, were reportedly targeted by mobs. The unrest forced many affected residents to seek refuge while the Nigerian government initiated plans for their safe return. Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the returnees and commended the Federal Government for facilitating their evacuation. She assured them that efforts were underway to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and support programmes aimed at helping them reintegrate into society. Officials said the returnees would undergo profiling and receive medical attention, counselling and other forms of assistance where necessary before being reunited with their families or enrolled in government reintegration initiatives.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, stating that it would continue to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice. The latest evacuation comes amid renewed calls for stronger cooperation between African governments to combat xenophobia and promote peaceful coexistence among citizens across the continent. Authorities indicated that additional evacuation flights could be arranged if more Nigerians express willingness to return home as the situation develops.