The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to evacuate 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for citizens willing to return home amid rising concerns over xenophobic tensions in the country.
The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in the early hours of Wednesday aboard an Air Peace aircraft designated for the evacuation exercise.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and other relevant agencies, to assist Nigerians facing challenges in South Africa and facilitate their safe return home.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the aircraft would depart Lagos on Tuesday before returning with the evacuees overnight.
“In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the Air Peace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, for Johannesburg, South Africa, at 3:30 p.m.,” the statement said.
“The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12:00 midnight, and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, is 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, all things being equal,” it added.
The evacuation exercise is the latest in a series of government-assisted repatriation operations undertaken to support Nigerians abroad affected by security concerns, immigration challenges, economic hardship and humanitarian emergencies.
Air Peace has continued to play a significant role in several of the Federal Government’s evacuation missions, including the return of Nigerians from countries experiencing conflicts and other crises.
The latest operation comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant sentiments in South Africa, prompting increased efforts by Nigerian authorities to protect citizens and provide support for those willing to return home.
The Federal Government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, while working through diplomatic channels and relevant agencies to address concerns affecting its citizens in foreign countries.
