Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerian nationals affected by xenophobic attacks and other security challenges in South Africa.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the latest evacuation brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa to 1,490.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the lives, rights and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
The fifth evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time on Wednesday and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11:30 a.m., successfully bringing another group of evacuees back home.
“The aircraft conveyed 308 passengers, comprising 305 returnees and three Nigerian Government officials who coordinated and supervised the evacuation exercise.
“With the successful completion of this operation, the Federal Government has now evacuated a total of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa through a series of coordinated humanitarian flights undertaken in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways, Ebienfa said.
The breakdown of the evacuation programme is as follows: 10 June 2026: Air Peace- First Flight: 258 returnees, 24 June 2026: South African Airways: 66 returnees, 30 June 2026: Air Peace-Second Flight: 272 returnees, 2 July 2026: Air Peace-Third Flight: 268 returnees, 9 July 2026: Air Peace- Fourth Flight: 282 returnees, 11 July 2026: South African Airways: 39 returnees and 15 July 2026: Air Peace-Fifth Flight: 305 returnees
Ebienfa added that the evacuation exercise was undertaken, following the sustained engagement with the Government of the Republic of South Africa and in response to the security concerns arising from ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in close collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies, ensured the smooth coordination of the exercise from registration to departure and necessary reception activities upon arrival in Nigeria.
The government expressed profound appreciation to Air Peace Limited for its continued patriotism and partnership and support throughout the evacuation programme.
“The evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy.
The Government remains resolute in ensuring that every Nigerian, irrespective of location, receives the necessary consular support and protection whenever circumstances demand.
“While appreciating the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa, the Federal Government reiterates its firm position that all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals are unacceptable.
Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the South African Government through diplomatic channels to promote the safety, security and peaceful coexistence of all residents.
“The Federal Government further assures Nigerians living overseas that it remains committed to safeguarding their interests through proactive diplomatic engagement, timely consular intervention and strengthened collaboration with host governments.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Nigerians residing abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission, and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate prompt assistance whenever necessary.
“The Federal Government welcomes the returnees home and assures them of continued support through the relevant government agencies to facilitate their reintegration,” Ebienfa maintained.
