FG to Evacuate 271 More Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to evacuate another batch of 271 stranded Nigerians from South Africa following recent anti-immigrant protests that disrupted activities in parts of the country.

The evacuation is expected to take place this week as part of the government’s ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who wish to return home.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed the planned evacuation but said the exact date had yet to be finalised.

Meanwhile, normal activities are gradually resuming across South Africa after Tuesday’s protests, which forced the closure of many businesses, shops and shopping malls.

Although widespread looting was reported during the unrest, with several shops and supermarkets owned by foreign nationals targeted, there have been no confirmed reports of attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.

President of the Nigerian Citizens in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the situation is being closely monitored and expressed optimism as businesses gradually reopen.

“So far, we have not received any report of our nationals being attacked. However, there has been looting of shops across the country,” he said.

According to Onyekwelu, reports confirmed that some foreign-owned shops and supermarkets were looted during the protests, while one local resident was reportedly shot and killed during the unrest in Johannesburg, although the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.

He said business activities were gradually returning to normal, with many people reopening their shops and returning to work.

Onyekwelu also confirmed that another evacuation flight is expected on Thursday to airlift 271 Nigerians back home.

He added that the Nigerian community in South Africa continues to monitor developments while working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian nationals.