Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barr. Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barr. Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has given a clearer insights on the facts and figures surrounding the recent return iof many Nigerians from Xenophobic South Africa.
In a brief explanation, she noted that “On this day, 11th June 2026, the first batch of our Nationals who are being evacuated from South Africa as a result of the Xenophobic attacks against African Migrants taking place in that country, will touch down on Nigerian Soil.
According to her, “This Evacuation of imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa, has been ordered by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with the Citizen Diplomacy imperatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The evacuation operation is undertaken by Air Peace Airlines.
“There are 262 Nigerian Nationals and 3 officials on board the Aircraft in addition to the airline crew, and the evacuation flight departed this morning from Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
The Honorable Minister of State of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will be at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria as I am currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to finalize together with our AGF, modalities for the return of over 100 Nigerian Prisoners currently languishing in Ethiopian Prisons.
“It will be a highly emotionally charged atmosphere as our traumatized citizens being evacuated from South Africa arrive at their home country today. They have been through a great ordeal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the public that the Federal Government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, has put in place the necessary reception and support arrangements for the returnees before they are reunited with their families.
“To our returning citizens, I say this to you…’ for every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story…a story that says ‘I have survived’. The price of your peace, and the safety of your children is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate infested environment. Survival is the noblest form of vengeance.
“Your Nation is waiting to embrace you with open arms. In advance, we say, ‘ Welcome home’!”
