The final batch of Nigerians repatriated by the Federal Government from South Africa has landed in Lagos.
The aircraft, carrying 308 repatriated Nigerians, with three government officials, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 11:30am on Wednesday.
More than 1,500 nationals have been repatriated during the exercise.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, said President Bola Tinubu’s “decisive leadership and compassionate intervention in facilitating the successful airlift and safe return of Nigerians stranded in South Africa imperiled by the spate of xenophobic incidents no doubt saved many precious lives which could have been lost if not for this timely action”.
“His extension of the evacuation exercise even beyond the June 30 deadline issued by Anti-migrant groups in South Africa speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our Nationals in crisis situations,” she added.
The minister welcomed the citizens home and thanked the Nigerian officials in South Africa for their role in coordinating the exercise.
