Third batch arrives from Johannesburg

The Federal Government on Friday received the third batch of Nigerians evacuated from Johannesburg, South Africa, as 266 citizens arrived safely in the country. Their arrival brings the total number of returnees under the ongoing evacuation exercise to 859.

The latest development marks another phase in the government's efforts to assist Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa amid ongoing arrangements to facilitate their safe and orderly evacuation.

Confirming the arrival, the Spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimi Ebienfa, said the third evacuation flight left Johannesburg with 266 Nigerians on board.

The third evacuation flight departed Johannesburg with 266 Nigerians on board, bringing the total number of evacuated citizens to 859.

— Kimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Reception by government officials

According to Ebienfa, the returnees were received on arrival by officials of the Federal Government and relevant agencies. The officials coordinated reception procedures as part of the ongoing evacuation exercise.

The coordinated reception formed part of the broader arrangements put in place to manage the return of Nigerians under the exercise. The government said the process is being handled in an orderly manner with the involvement of relevant agencies.

The Ministry said the evacuation underscores the Federal Government's commitment to supporting Nigerians abroad who have indicated a willingness to return home.

Earlier flights and total returnees

The latest batch follows two earlier evacuation flights, which had conveyed a combined total of 593 Nigerians from South Africa. With the arrival of the third flight, the number of Nigerians successfully evacuated under the exercise has risen to 859.

The Federal Government has continued to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the evacuation process remains orderly while providing necessary assistance to returning citizens.

The ongoing operation remains focused on facilitating the safe return of Nigerians from South Africa as arrangements continue under the current evacuation exercise.