BREAKING: First batch of Nigerians repatriated from S’Africa arrives Thursday

Nigerian returnees disembark the Air Peace plane from South Africa.

The first batch of Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the returnees will be transported aboard an Air Peace flight scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.

The statement added that the aircraft is expected to arrive in Lagos at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.

The repatriation exercise follows concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens.

The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians in South Africa of its commitment to their safety and welfare while working with relevant authorities to address the situation.

Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.

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