The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to evacuating more Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks, urging citizens whose safety is under threat to take advantage of the ongoing evacuation programme.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the announcement on Monday through her verified social media platforms, assuring Nigerians that the government remains determined to protect its citizens abroad.

According to the minister, documentation for the fourth batch of evacuees is nearing completion as authorities intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of Nigerians affected by the unrest in South Africa.

She noted that the Nigerian government remains deeply concerned about the security of its nationals following a wave of xenophobic protests and attacks targeting migrants, which reportedly claimed the lives of two Nigerians, Musa Joe and Charles Iroegbu.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on South African authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” she said.

The minister urged Nigerians who feel unsafe to take advantage of the Federal Government-sponsored evacuation flights, warning that there are currently no clear signs of improvement in the security situation.

She disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the initial June 30 deadline. The fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, following three earlier evacuation operations.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged Nigerians still in South Africa to make use of the available flights, stressing that the government had provided sufficient capacity to facilitate their return.

According to her, another evacuation flight is scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, while the final flight under the current exercise is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10 to bring back more Nigerians.

“Our nationals are advised to carefully assess the risks and decide whether it is safer to remain or return home,” she stated.

The minister also cautioned against delaying decisions until after the evacuation exercise has ended, noting that late appeals for assistance may be difficult to accommodate once the operation is concluded.

“Properties and investments can be replaced, but lives cannot,” she warned, emphasizing the government’s priority of safeguarding Nigerian citizens.