The Federal Government has completed the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with the final flight bringing back 308 citizens to Nigeria following security concerns and reported xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.
The returnees arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as part of the government’s emergency repatriation exercise coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The final evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, was scheduled to depart Johannesburg and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The evacuation programme was launched after some Nigerians in South Africa expressed concerns over their safety following renewed tensions, anti-immigrant protests and reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals. Nigerian authorities said the exercise was aimed at assisting citizens who wished to return home voluntarily.
The Federal Government had carried out several evacuation flights before the final operation, bringing back hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa. Officials said the latest flight marked the conclusion of the special repatriation exercise for citizens affected by the situation.
Daily Times
