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Air Peace has successfully concluded the Federal Government’s humanitarian evacuation operation from South Africa, bringing home the final batch of 308 stranded Nigerians and completing a five-flight mission that saw a total of 1,393 citizens safely repatriated.
The airline said the last evacuation flight, operated with its Boeing 777-200 aircraft, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 11:28 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, marking the successful conclusion of the emergency airlift coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with the airline.
The aircraft arrived at the Cargo and Hajj Terminal of the airport, where the returnees were formally received by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside senior officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, who welcomed the evacuees on behalf of the Federal Government.
Addressing the returnees, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the hardships they experienced during the crisis in South Africa and assured them of the Federal Government’s continued support as they reintegrate into society.
She conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of solidarity, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad. She also praised the collaboration between government agencies and Air Peace, describing it as a demonstration of effective public-private partnership in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
The NiDCOM boss particularly commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, for once again placing national interest above commercial considerations by deploying the airline’s resources to support the evacuation exercise.
The completion of the operation represents another milestone in Nigeria’s humanitarian response to the security challenges affecting Nigerians in South Africa and highlights the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in protecting the country’s citizens overseas.
Throughout the exercise, Air Peace deployed its Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft on five dedicated evacuation missions, safely transporting 1,393 Nigerians back home while maintaining high standards of safety, passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Beyond providing transportation, the airline noted that the evacuation flights reunited families, restored hope to citizens caught in uncertain circumstances and reinforced confidence that Nigerians abroad could rely on their country during periods of crisis.
Air Peace stated that the successful conclusion of the South Africa evacuation further strengthens its reputation for humanitarian service, noting that since commencing operations, it has undertaken more than 20 humanitarian and evacuation missions within Africa and beyond.
According to the airline, the missions have supported emergency repatriations, humanitarian interventions and government-led response efforts whenever required, demonstrating its commitment to national service.
The carrier also attributed its humanitarian record to the vision of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, whose commitment to humanitarian causes, it said, has positioned Air Peace as a dependable national institution capable of supporting Nigeria during emergencies.
Reaffirming its broader mission, the airline pledged to remain committed to connecting people beyond destinations by supporting government humanitarian initiatives, assisting Nigerians in times of need and providing critical airlift services whenever called upon.
