Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation programme.
An Air Peace flight carrying approximately 271 evacuees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a report by Channels Television.
The latest evacuation comes amid heightened tensions in South Africa, where police have been deployed across major cities to prevent unrest ahead of an unofficial deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
The growing anti-immigrant campaign has reportedly forced thousands of foreign nationals to flee their homes, while hundreds have sought refuge in temporary shelters as they await assistance to return to their home countries.
In Johannesburg, security operatives maintained a heavy presence across the city to deter possible violence and looting. Most businesses remained closed, and the usually busy city centre recorded significantly reduced activity as residents commuted under tight security.
The protests are being driven by a coalition of small political parties and vigilante groups campaigning against undocumented migrants. Analysts say the groups have coordinated extensively through social media, where misinformation surrounding immigration has also circulated.
In the southeastern city of Durban, small groups of demonstrators dressed in traditional Zulu attire gathered in a public park carrying sticks and shields while chanting “Abahambe”a Zulu phrase meaning “Let them go”—as police monitored the situation to prevent any outbreak of violence.
The Federal Government has continued efforts to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home as authorities closely monitor the evolving security situation in South Africa.
