Nigeria brings home 1,490 citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks

Nigeria has completed the voluntary evacuation of 1,490 citizens from South Africa following a series of xenophobic attacks, its foreign ministry said on Thursday, with the latest flight bringing 305 returnees home from Johannesburg.



Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said a fifth evacuation flight carrying 305 returnees and two government officials arrived in Lagos on July 15.

The government said the evacuation followed talks with South African authorities over security concerns linked to xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians.



Nigeria has condemned violence against its citizens in South Africa, including the deaths of at least two nationals allegedly assaulted by security officials.



Despite strong bilateral ties with South Africa, Nigeria's position remains clear: xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against its citizens are unacceptable, Kimiebi said.