The Federal Government has confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying Nigerians from South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday morning, amid heightened fears of possible xenophobic attacks.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this on Monday, saying an Air Peace aircraft was scheduled to depart Nigeria for South Africa as part of the ongoing voluntary evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home.
According to him, the aircraft was expected to leave Nigeria at 3:00 p.m. on Monday and arrive in South Africa at about 9:00 p.m. local time.
The return flight, he said, would depart South Africa at midnight and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today,” Ebienfa said.
He added that the evacuation was part of efforts by the Federal Government to ensure the safety of Nigerians following concerns over planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30.
Ebienfa urged Nigerians who may remain in South Africa after the protests to stay calm, remain security-conscious and avoid areas where protesters are expected to gather.
He also advised them to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission for updates and assistance.
“They should be calm and security-conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates,” he said.
The latest flight is part of the evacuation programme approved by President Bola Tinubu earlier this month to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa.
On June 7, the Federal Government announced the approval of five Air Peace evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians had been screened for the exercise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the flights were approved to ensure that all registered Nigerians willing to return home are safely evacuated.
Before the latest operation, the Federal Government had evacuated 328 Nigerians in two batches.
The first evacuation flight arrived on June 11 with 262 Nigerians, while the second batch of 66 returnees arrived in Lagos on June 25.
The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with Air Peace and relevant agencies.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from protest venues and remain vigilant following intelligence reports of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
The Federal Government said it is also working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country, while continuing the evacuation of those who wish to return home.
The post “Next Evacuation Flight Leaves South Africa Tuesday” — FG Moves To Bring More Nigerians Home Amid Xenophobia Fears appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
