The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to evacuate 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who have indicated a willingness to return home.
The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace aircraft.
The evacuation is being coordinated through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and other relevant government agencies as part of efforts to assist Nigerians facing various challenges in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the schedule for the operation in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the Air Peace aircraft will depart Lagos for Johannesburg at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday before returning with the evacuees overnight.
The statement read, “In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the Air Peace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026, for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30 p.m.
“The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12.00 midnight, and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is 5.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, all things being equal.”
The Federal Government has carried out several evacuation exercises over the years to repatriate Nigerians stranded abroad due to security challenges, economic hardship, immigration issues and humanitarian emergencies.
Air Peace has played a major role in many of the government-assisted evacuation missions, including the return of Nigerians from countries affected by conflicts and other crises.
The latest operation comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa and reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to facilitating the safe return of Nigerians who choose to come back home.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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