Xenophobia: Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa Demonstrates Tinubu’s Commitment to Citizens Abroad–Enikanolaiye
By Sarah Kitka
The Minister of state for Foreign affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye said the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa demonstrated president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to citizens abroad
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public that the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals evacuated from the Republic of South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in Nigeria.
The special evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at approximately 10:25 a.m.
The evacuees, escorted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa led by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, were officially received by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who represented the Federal Government of Nigeria.
While welcoming the returnees, Ambassador Enikanolaiye conveyed the heartfelt greetings and assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety, security, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and security agencies.
The exercise underscores the Federal Government’s proactive and decisive response to safeguarding the lives and dignity of Nigerians in the face of violence and intolerance. No Nigerian should be compelled to live in fear because of his or her nationality.
The Ministry emphasized that the evacuation should not be viewed as a sign of defeat but rather as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-centred foreign policy and its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad. Additional evacuation flights are expected to arrive in the coming days as the exercise continues.
Addressing the returnees, Ambassador Enikanolaiye stated that the Federal Government would not stand idly by while Nigerians are subjected to attacks, intimidation, or harassment anywhere in the world. He noted that the swift evacuation reflected the government’s determination to protect its citizens and ensure their well-being.
The Minister commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for its effective coordination of the evacuation process and urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report any threats or concerns to the Mission.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government remains actively engaged with South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the underlying causes of the recent incidents.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling, and necessary medical screening. They will also be provided with temporary accommodation and other support services before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its commitment to protecting Nigerians worldwide and calls for calm and restraint as diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation continue.
