The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded its emergency evacuation programme for citizens stranded in South Africa, with a final batch of 315 Nigerians scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, bringing to a close a rescue mission launched in response to xenophobic attacks and worsening security concerns.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the fifth and final evacuation flight will depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, aboard an Air Peace aircraft.
The flight is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 6:30 a.m., completing the government’s operation to bring home Nigerians who voluntarily requested evacuation following recent attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
The latest flight follows four earlier evacuation operations that successfully returned hundreds of Nigerians to the country as authorities moved to protect citizens affected by the security situation.
Government officials said the evacuation exercise reflects Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens wherever they are in the world, especially during periods of crisis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked Air Peace, Nigerian diplomatic officials, South African authorities and other stakeholders whose cooperation made the evacuation exercise possible.
The ministry also reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad and will continue to provide consular assistance whenever the safety of its citizens is threatened.
The conclusion of the evacuation marks the end of weeks of coordinated efforts by Nigerian authorities after many citizens expressed concerns over their safety amid renewed xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.
The 315 returnees are expected to undergo routine immigration and health procedures upon arrival before reuniting with their families.
With the arrival of the final evacuation flight, Nigeria closes another chapter in its efforts to protect its citizens overseas, while renewing calls for the safety, dignity and protection of all Africans living and working across the continent.
