The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning.
The returnees were airlifted by Air Peace in a flight that departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and landed in Lagos at about 10:40 a.m.
Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), security agencies and other government representatives were on ground to receive the evacuees and begin documentation and profiling procedures.
The arrival followed hours of preparation by airport and security officials, who had assembled at the airport ahead of the aircraft’s landing. Scores of personnel and observers were also present to welcome the returnees.
Some of the evacuees were seen recounting their experiences in South Africa, where recent attacks on foreign nationals sparked fears and prompted many Nigerians to seek assistance from the Federal Government.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that it would fully fund the evacuation exercise and provide reception and support arrangements for affected citizens returning home.
Authorities said the returnees would receive the necessary assistance and support before being reunited with their families, as the government continues efforts to respond to the situation facing Nigerians in South Africa.
