The federal government has confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying Nigerians back from South Africa is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard citizens amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks linked to planned anti-immigrant protests.
- +More Nigerians return from S’Africa as FG confirms evacuation flight
The latest evacuation comes as demonstrations targeting foreign nationals are expected to commence on June 30, prompting Nigerian authorities to continue a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who have expressed a desire to return home.
The latest evacuation comes as demonstrations targeting foreign nationals are expected to commence on June 30, prompting Nigerian authorities to continue a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who have expressed a desire to return home.
Speaking on Monday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday afternoon to airlift another batch of Nigerians from South Africa.
According to him, the aircraft left Nigeria at about 3:00 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time before returning with the evacuees.
He explained that the return flight would depart South Africa shortly after midnight and is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today.
“An Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time.
“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning,” Ebienfa said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised Nigerians who may choose to remain in South Africa after the planned protests to exercise maximum caution and remain security-conscious.
Ebienfa urged Nigerians to avoid areas where demonstrators are expected to gather, limit unnecessary movement, and maintain regular communication with the Nigerian High Commission for security updates and assistance.
“Be calm and security-conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates,” he advised.
The ongoing evacuation exercise forms part of the voluntary repatriation programme approved earlier this month by President Bola Tinubu to assist Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa amid growing concerns over their safety.
On June 7, the federal government announced the approval of five Air Peace evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians in South Africa were screened and registered for the exercise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the flights were approved to ensure that every Nigerian who voluntarily registered for evacuation would be safely returned home.
Before the latest operation, the government had successfully evacuated 328 Nigerians in two separate batches.
The first evacuation flight, which arrived in Lagos on June 11, brought home 262 Nigerians, while another 66 returnees arrived on June 25.
The evacuation programme is being coordinated by the federal government in partnership with Air Peace and other relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier issued a security advisory urging Nigerians living in South Africa to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from planned protest venues, and remain vigilant following intelligence reports indicating that anti-immigrant demonstrations could target foreign nationals.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed that it is maintaining close engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country while continuing efforts to evacuate those who have indicated their willingness to return home.
