The Federal Government has successfully repatriated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.

The evacuation exercise, which commenced on June 11, concluded on Wednesday after seven batches of returnees were airlifted back to Nigeria.

Although the Federal Government funded five evacuation flights, two additional emergency flights were arranged, bringing the total number of repatriation batches to seven.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the evacuation was carried out through close collaboration between the ministry, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, 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 him, the coordinated efforts ensured a seamless process, from the registration of affected Nigerians to their departure from South Africa and reception upon arrival in Nigeria.

Ebienfa expressed the government's appreciation to **Air Peace Limited** for its support throughout the operation.

"The Federal Government expresses profound appreciation to Air Peace Limited for its continued patriotism, partnership and support throughout the evacuation programme," the statement read.

While reaffirming Nigeria's longstanding diplomatic relationship with South Africa, the ministry stressed that the country remains firmly opposed to xenophobia, racial intolerance and all forms of violence against foreign nationals.

Ebienfa said Nigeria would continue to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to promote the safety, security and peaceful coexistence of all residents.

He also urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with embassy officials to enable prompt assistance whenever necessary.

Evacuation timeline

June 10: Air Peace – 258 returnees (First flight)

June 24: South African Airways – 66 returnees (First emergency flight)

June 30: Air Peace – 272 returnees (Second flight)

July 2: Air Peace –268 returnees (Third flight)

July 9 Air Peace – 282 returnees (Fourth flight)

July 11: South African Airways – 39 returnees (Second emergency flight)

July 15: Air Peace – 305 returnees (Fifth flight)

Total evacuated: 1,490 Nigerians.