Final Evacuation Flight to Nigerians Home from South Africa

The Federal Government has completed plans for the final Nigerian evacuation from South Africa, with 315 stranded Nigerians expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace flight. The operation marks the end of the government’s organised effort to bring citizens home following recent xenophobic attacks and growing security concerns in parts of South Africa.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the fifth and final evacuation flight will leave Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. on 15 July 2026. The aircraft is scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 6:30 a.m.

The Nigerian evacuation exercise follows four earlier flights that successfully returned hundreds of citizens who chose to come back to Nigeria. The government organised the operation to protect the welfare and safety of Nigerians affected by the recent unrest in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that protecting Nigerians abroad remains a top priority. It said the successful completion of the Nigerian evacuation reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting its citizens wherever they live or work.

Officials also expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the evacuation process. The ministry thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation and efforts, which helped ensure the safe return of those affected.

The completion of the Nigerian evacuation brings an important chapter to a close for many families who faced uncertainty during the security situation in South Africa. It also highlights the government’s ongoing responsibility to respond quickly whenever the safety of Nigerian citizens overseas is at risk.

What more should the government do to better protect Nigerians living and working abroad?