The federal government has confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying Nigerians back from South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard citizens amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks linked to planned anti-immigrant protests.
The latest evacuation comes as demonstrations targeting foreign nationals are expected to commence on June 30, prompting Nigerian authorities to continue a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who have expressed a desire to return home.
Speaking on Monday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday afternoon to airlift another batch of Nigerians from South Africa.
According to him, the aircraft left Nigeria at about 3:00 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time before returning with the evacuees.
He explained that the return flight would depart South Africa shortly after midnight and is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning.
