The Federal Government has urged Nigerians residing in South Africa who feel their lives are under threat to take advantage of the ongoing evacuation programme, warning that the security situation remains uncertain amid renewed xenophobic attacks.

The appeal follows the recent killing of two Nigerian nationals, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, incidents that have heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government remains deeply worried about the welfare of its citizens in South Africa as xenophobic protests and attacks against migrants continue.

According to the minister, Nigeria has formally demanded that South African authorities conduct thorough investigations into the killings and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

She stated that while diplomatic engagements with the South African government are ongoing, the Federal Government has continued to prioritise the safety of Nigerians by providing voluntary evacuation flights for citizens who wish to return home.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved the extension of the evacuation exercise beyond its initial June 30 deadline to allow more Nigerians the opportunity to leave South Africa safely.

She explained that the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another Air Peace flight is scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to bring home additional Nigerians. According to her, the final evacuation flight under the current arrangement is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10.

The minister encouraged Nigerians who are yet to make a decision about returning home to carefully evaluate the prevailing security situation and consider their personal safety above all else.

She stressed that while material possessions and investments can be recovered over time, lives lost cannot be replaced, urging those who believe they are at risk not to delay in taking advantage of the government-sponsored evacuation.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, noting that it will continue to work through diplomatic channels and relevant agencies to safeguard the interests of its citizens wherever they may be.

As part of the ongoing evacuation programme, arrangements have also been concluded to repatriate about 270 Nigerians from South Africa. The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace aircraft deployed specifically for the humanitarian operation.

The evacuation exercise is being coordinated through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with relevant government agencies. Officials said the programme is entirely voluntary and is aimed at assisting Nigerians who wish to return home following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and growing security concerns.

The Federal Government reiterated its appeal for calm, assuring affected citizens that it remains committed to their safety while continuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address the situation and prevent further attacks on Nigerians.