Another batch of over 100 Nigerians stranded in South Africa following the renewed xenophobic attacks has departed the country aboard a special flight arranged by the Federal Government.

The departure is in continuation of the evacuation exercise conducted by the Federal Government.

The latest batch of returnees, comprising adult men and women, children and minors, departed South Africa yesterday around 3:45 pm (South African time) and arrived Nigeria later in the night (Wednesday) around 9pm, where government officials received them.

The returnees who departed from the O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Before departure, the passports and phones of the returnees were collected from them, but a consular officer from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, who addressed the returnees, promised that their telephones would be returned to them immediately the aircraft was airborne.

According to him, the phones were collected from them to prevent disruption of the special flight.

The evacuation was facilitated through a special South African Airways (SAA) Airbus A330-300 chartered flight by the Federal Government to bring the willing Nigerians home safely.

The consular officer also advised the returnees to comply with all necessary protocols and procedures upon arrival in Lagos, Nigeria.

The exercise is a continuation of the Federal Government’s response to the wave of xenophobic attacks that have targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa.

The current evacuation follows an earlier exercise conducted by the Federal Government, during which the first batch of affected Nigerians were successfully repatriated.

That initial operation was carried out by Nigerian carrier, Air Peace.

Following the first phase, the evacuation process was temporarily suspended to allow authorities to address logistical and administrative issues associated with the exercise.

An evacuation exercise scheduled for last week was abruptly cancelled.

In Nigeria, the returnees underwent the necessary reception and documentation procedures before being reunited with their families.

The government had promised that it would continue to assist Nigerians willing to return, as it continued to monitor developments in South Africa.

CHAIRMAN and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has, meanwhile, called on Nigerians to adopt a non-violent economic boycott of South Africa in response to recurring xenophobic attacks against African migrants, including Nigerians.

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onyema urged Nigerians to refrain from investing in South Africa and encouraged South African businesses to invest in Nigeria on favourable terms determined by the Nigerian government.

According to him, economic measures rather than violent reprisals would send a stronger message.

Onyema also accused South African authorities of failing to provide adequate protection for foreign nationals during periods of unrest, noting that repeated attacks on migrants have continued to raise concerns across the continent.

The airline boss argued that many Nigerians living in South Africa contributed positively to the country’s economy by establishing businesses and creating employment opportunities.

While backing calls for stronger diplomatic measures, he rejected violent reprisals against South Africans or South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria.

He said, “I support Adams Oshiomhole, who says that we should retaliate. But the kind of retaliation I want is what we are doing. Let us do non-violent retaliation. I don’t want Nigerians to go to the streets and attack South Africans,” he stated.

Onyema also opposed shutting down South African companies operating in Nigeria, citing their contribution to employment and investment.