The Federal Government today concluded the evacuation of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the arrival of the final repatriation flight carrying 308 returnees.

The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 11:30 a.m. Also on board were three government officials who coordinated the evacuation exercise.

With the arrival of the final batch, the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the Federal Government's emergency repatriation programme has risen to more than 1,500.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the successful completion of the exercise reflected President Bola Tinubu's commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

According to the minister, the President's prompt intervention ensured the safe return of citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. She added that the decision to extend the evacuation exercise beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups underscored the administration's determination to protect Nigerians facing crises overseas.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the returnees and commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, alongside other government agencies, for their roles in coordinating the evacuation.

— VANGUARD