The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of its voluntary evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens airlifted home to 1,490.

The latest exercise saw 305 Nigerians return aboard an Air Peace flight that departed O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, on Wednesday morning and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 11:30 a.m.

According to a statement signed on Wednesday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the aircraft also conveyed three Nigerian government officials who coordinated and supervised the evacuation exercise.

The ministry said the completion of the fifth evacuation phase underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It noted that the evacuation programme, carried out in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways, had now returned 1,490 Nigerians through a series of humanitarian flights since June.

The ministry said the first evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace on June 10, brought home 258 Nigerians, while South African Airways evacuated 66 others on June 24.

Air Peace subsequently airlifted 272 Nigerians on June 30, another 268 on July 2 and 282 on July 9. South African Airways returned an additional 39 Nigerians on July 11 before the fifth phase concluded on Wednesday with the evacuation of 305 returnees.

It explained that the evacuation followed sustained diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa in response to security concerns arising from ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

The ministry said the operation was jointly coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.

According to the statement, the agencies ensured seamless coordination of the exercise, from registration of returnees to their departure from South Africa and reception on arrival in Nigeria.

The Federal Government also commended Air Peace for its continued support throughout the evacuation programme, describing the airline’s role as an act of patriotism and partnership.

“The evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy,” the ministry stated.

It added that the government remained committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, receives the necessary consular support and protection whenever the need arises.

While reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding bilateral relations with South Africa, the Federal Government condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals.

It said Nigeria would continue engaging the South African Government through diplomatic channels to promote the safety, security and peaceful coexistence of all residents.

The ministry further assured Nigerians living abroad of continued protection through proactive diplomatic engagement, prompt consular intervention and stronger collaboration with host governments.

It also urged Nigerians overseas to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate timely assistance whenever necessary.

The Federal Government welcomed the returnees and pledged continued support through relevant agencies to aid their reintegration into society.