A fresh group of 271 Nigerian citizens has landed in Lagos, marking the third phase of the Federal Government’s organized return efforts. The Air Peace aircraft reached the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday morning, shortly before 11 a.m.
This mission followed statements from Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who confirmed the arrival schedule on Monday. The initiative was prompted by an ultimatum issued on June 30 by various South African groups insisting that undocumented immigrants leave the country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday regarding the unrest. While acknowledging widespread anxiety concerning illegal immigration, he emphasized that government authorities hold the exclusive power to manage border control. He also explicitly condemned violence and vandalism, urging citizens to keep their protests lawful.
Previous flights in this evacuation series brought home 258 and 66 Nigerians respectively.
