At least 270 Nigerians fleeing a fresh wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday, in what officials describe as the first organised evacuation of citizens from the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the returnees will be flown into Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace aircraft chartered to airlift Nigerians who volunteered to leave. The plane is scheduled to depart Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night and touch down in Lagos early Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the Federal Government is fully funding the operation, covering transportation, logistics and reception arrangements. On arrival, the passengers will be received by a multi-agency team and taken through documentation and profiling before being released to their families.

Officials say the process is designed both to verify identities and to assess the needs of each returnee, including those who may require medical attention, psychosocial support or assistance to resettle after losing homes and livelihoods in South Africa.

The evacuation had been slated to begin earlier in the week but was pushed back due to what the ministry described as unforeseen logistical considerations. Foreign Affairs Minister Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that additional time was needed to complete documentation and security screening in coordination with South African authorities.

According to her, more than 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered their interest in leaving, and the number continues to grow as reports of attacks on foreign-owned businesses and properties spread. The first flight is therefore seen as the opening phase of a broader repatriation effort that may require multiple trips.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it has negotiated waivers with South African authorities for some Nigerians with immigration-related offences, allowing them to join the evacuation flights rather than face detention or prolonged legal processes.

The National Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the operation in Lagos, working alongside immigration, health and security agencies to manage arrivals and provide immediate support.

Nigerian officials stress that the evacuation is voluntary but say it underscores Abuja’s concern over the safety of its nationals in South Africa and its determination to offer a way out to those who no longer feel secure.

The government maintains that it will continue diplomatic engagement with Pretoria even as it moves citizens who wish to return out of harm’s way.