A Presidential chartered flight evacuating Nigerians from South Africa is expected to touch down in Lagos between 4:30am and 5:00am on Thursday, as concerns mount over a fresh wave of xenophobic hostility targeting Nigerians in the country.
The evacuation comes amid growing reports of attacks, harassment, and destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses in several South African cities, reigniting tensions that have strained diplomatic relations between both nations in recent years.
According to information made available to media houses, the chartered flight is conveying Nigerians who have opted to return home following the heightened insecurity. Journalists interested in covering the arrival at the Lagos airport have been asked to indicate interest if their offices have not yet been contacted.
The move mirrors previous emergency evacuations ordered by the Federal Government during periods of intense xenophobic violence, when Nigerian citizens and their properties were singled out in attacks blamed on local mobs.
While official figures of Nigerians affected in the latest unrest are yet to be released, community leaders in South Africa say the atmosphere has become increasingly hostile, with many Nigerians living in fear and unable to operate their businesses.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal statement on the latest evacuation, but the deployment of a Presidential chartered flight signals the seriousness of the situation.
The early-morning arrival is expected to draw attention to the recurring cycle of xenophobic attacks and the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, an issue that has repeatedly tested Abuja-Pretoria ties.
More details are expected after the flight lands and returnees are processed by immigration and relevant agencies in Lagos.
