Fourth flight lands 282 Nigerians from South Africa

A fourth evacuation flight carrying 282 Nigerians from South Africa arrived in Lagos on Thursday, July 9, as the federal government continues its repatriation program in response to xenophobic violence. A fifth flight is scheduled for next week, which officials have indicated will conclude the airlift operation.

The Air Peace flight landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. The passengers included 272 adults, 12 infants, and two government officials. This latest arrival brings the total number of citizens repatriated since the evacuation flights began on June 11 to 1,141. Officials stated that over 1,000 Nigerians had initially registered their interest in returning.

On Friday, July 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an additional emergency flight was en route, carrying 39 individuals who were unable to board Thursday's flight. That flight was expected to arrive in Lagos later Friday evening. The ministry stated the arrangement was made to ensure all Nigerians who completed their travel documentation by the approved deadline were evacuated without delay.

The evacuation initiative was launched following a recent wave of...