The Federal Government says it is set to evacuate the first batch of Nigerians from South Africa following reported xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement Tuesday.
According to him, the affected Nigerians were scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
He disclosed that the evacuees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Ebienfa added that the evacuation exercise will be carried out by Air Peace Airline, with the Federal Government fully funding the operation.
He stressed that beneficiaries would not bear any cost.
“The first batch of Nigerian nationals to be evacuated due to xenophobic attacks will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday night,” he said.
Ebienfa also stated that relevant ministries, departments and agencies have made arrangements to receive and support the returnees upon arrival.
“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling and will receive necessary assistance before being reunited with their families,” he said.
NAN