Nigerian carrier Air Peace has safely evacuated 262 Nigerian nationals from South Africa after a wave of xenophobic attacks targeted foreign nationals in parts of the country.
According to Antigua News Room, the airline operated the evacuation in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, transporting the returnees to Lagos, where government officials and representatives from relevant agencies received them upon arrival.
Air Peace stated that the operation was carried out as a humanitarian effort to assist Nigerian citizens who sought to return home amid serious concerns for their safety.
The arrival of the evacuees was marked by expressions of gratitude from passengers and a coordinated response from government agencies tasked with providing support and assistance to those returning.
The airline said the mission highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private sector partners in responding to emergencies affecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
The evacuation came in the wake of reports of violence and unrest directed at foreign nationals in South Africa, which prompted urgent calls for assistance from affected communities and those seeking to leave the country.
Air Peace described the operation as consistent with its broader commitment to humanitarian causes and to standing by Nigerian citizens during times of crisis.
