By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has completed the evacuation of 1,490 Nigerian nationals from South Africa, following a series of xenophobic attacks and related security concerns, with the arrival of the fifth and final evacuation flight in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the latest Air Peace flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. South African time and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 11:30 a.m., conveying 308 passengers, including 305 returnees and three government officials who coordinated the operation.
According to the ministry, the successful completion of the exercise marks the end of a coordinated humanitarian evacuation programme carried out in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways under the Federal Government’s Citizens’ Diplomacy initiative.
The ministry said a total of 1,490 Nigerians were evacuated through seven flights conducted between June 10 and July 15, 2026. The breakdown includes 258 returnees on the first Air Peace flight on June 10, 66 on a South African Airways flight on June 24, 272 on Air Peace’s second flight on June 30, 268 on the third flight on July 2, 282 on the fourth flight on July 9, 39 on a South African Airways flight on July 11, and 305 on the fifth Air Peace flight on July 15.
It explained that the evacuation followed sustained diplomatic engagement with the South African Government in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
The ministry noted that the exercise was jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, the Consulate-General in Johannesburg, 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.
The Federal Government commended Air Peace Limited for its patriotism and continued support throughout the evacuation programme, describing the airline’s contribution as critical to the success of the operation.
It stated that the evacuation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which prioritises the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad, and reaffirmed its resolve to provide timely consular assistance whenever the need arises.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding bilateral ties with South Africa, the government condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals, stressing that such acts are unacceptable. It added that Nigeria would continue to engage the South African Government through diplomatic channels to promote the safety and peaceful coexistence of all residents.
The ministry also assured Nigerians living abroad of continued government support through proactive diplomatic engagement and consular services. It urged citizens overseas to obey the laws of their host countries, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact to facilitate prompt assistance when necessary.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government would continue to support the returnees through relevant agencies to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
