The Federal Government has concluded its evacuation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa, with the final repatriation flight arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday carrying 308 returnees.

The aircraft, which also transported three government officials, landed at approximately 11:30 a.m., marking the end of the evacuation exercise during which more than 1,500 Nigerians were successfully repatriated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, attributed the successful operation to the decisive intervention of President Bola Tinubu, saying his prompt response helped save the lives of many Nigerians affected by the wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

She said, "President Bola Tinubu's decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa, imperilled by the spate of xenophobic incidents, no doubt saved many precious lives which could have been lost if not for this timely action."

The minister added that the President's decision to extend the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

"His extension of the evacuation exercise even beyond the June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our nationals in crisis situations," she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the returnees home and commended officials of the Nigerian mission in South Africa for their efforts in coordinating the evacuation and ensuring the safe return of the affected citizens.