Nigeria postpones evacuation flights for citizens wishing to leave South Africa amid xenophobic attacks

The Nigerian federal government has postponed the first airlift of citizens who wish to return from South Africa, following a recent surge in xenophobic attacks against Black residents in the country.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the change in a statement released on Monday.

Ebienfa said the original departure for the first batch of returnees, scheduled for Monday, will now take place on Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical issues.

President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by the private airline Air Peace. The initial flight is expected to carry roughly 270 passengers and will depart from Johannesburg on the evening of the new date, once all necessary permits and clearances have been obtained.

The government has also extended the screening process for citizens willing to be evacuated, moving the deadline to Wednesday.

“I received confirmation from our mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday,” Ebienfa said. “So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared.” (NAN)

The article “Xenophobic attacks: Nigeria reschedules airlifting of citizens willing to leave S/Africa” first appeared on Vanguard News.