The Federal Government has concluded its emergency evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with the final evacuation flight carrying 308 Nigerian nationals and three government officials departing O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for Nigeria.

The latest flight brings the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the emergency operation to more than 1,500, following weeks of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant violence in parts of South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the completion of the evacuation exercise as a major humanitarian effort aimed at protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians affected by the unrest.

The ministry expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorising the rescue mission, describing his intervention as decisive and compassionate in ensuring the safe return of stranded Nigerians.

According to the ministry, the President’s decision to extend the evacuation exercise beyond the earlier deadline issued by anti-migrant groups demonstrated his commitment to the safety, dignity and well-being of Nigerian citizens wherever they reside.

The ministry also commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate-General in Johannesburg and Air Peace for their roles in the successful execution of the evacuation operation.

Welcoming the returnees, the Federal Government reassured Nigerians of its continued commitment to protecting citizens abroad and responding swiftly to emergencies involving Nigerian nationals.