ABUJA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa amid recent anti-immigration violence arrived in the southwestern state of Lagos on Thursday morning.
A total of 258 Nigerians were airlifted to Lagos in the first phase of the evacuation operation, according to a statement issued by Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sola Enikanolaiye, minister of state for foreign affairs, said the Nigerian government launched the evacuation exercise in response to attacks and harassment targeting some of its citizens in South Africa.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained in contact with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals and address issues related to the recent unrest, with more evacuation flights expected in the coming days.
According to an earlier statement by the foreign ministry, the returnees will undergo documentation, profiling and medical screening before receiving temporary accommodation and other assistance ahead of reunification with their families.
South Africa has recently witnessed a wave of anti-immigration demonstrations, with organizers citing unemployment, crime and pressure on public services as major concerns.
Some anti-immigration groups have demanded that undocumented foreigners leave the country by June 30 and have threatened nationwide protests if their demands are not met.
