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First batch of evacuees arrives: On 11th June 2026, the initial group of Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks against African migrants lands in Nigeria.
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Presidential directive: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the evacuation under the Citizen Diplomacy imperatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing risks to citizens’ lives.
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Logistics and funding: Air Peace Airlines operates the evacuation, fully funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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Passenger count: The flight carries 262 Nigerian nationals and 3 officials, plus crew; departed from Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
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Reception: Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye (Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs) will receive returnees at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as the speaker handles prisoner transfers in Addis Ababa.
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Prisoner transfer context: Over 100 Nigerian prisoners in Kaliti and AbaSamuel Prisons (Addis Ababa) await repatriation; four have already died due to health issues.
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Emotional homecoming: Traumatized evacuees arrive to a highly charged atmosphere; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures public reception and support arrangements via relevant MDAs.
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Message to returnees: “For every wound there is a scar… survival is the noblest form of vengeance” – the Nation embraces them, prioritizing peace and safety over assets left behind.
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Welcome: Advance welcome back to the Motherland.
