The Federal Government has completed the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians stranded in the Republic of South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks and growing security concerns, bringing the total number of evacuated citizens to 1,490.
The latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m. (South African time) on Wednesday and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11:30 a.m., conveying 305 Nigerian returnees alongside three government officials who coordinated the exercise.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians abroad in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s Citizens’ Diplomacy policy.
The evacuation programme, conducted in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways, recorded the following movements:
– June 10: Air Peace (First Flight) – 258 returnees
– June 24: South African Airways – 66 returnees
– June 30: Air Peace (Second Flight) – 272 returnees
– July 2: Air Peace (Third Flight) – 268 returnees
– July 9: Air Peace (Fourth Flight) – 282 returnees
– July 11: South African Airways – 39 returnees
– July 15: Air Peace (Fifth Flight) – 305 returnees
The seven humanitarian flights successfully evacuated a total of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry said the operation followed sustained diplomatic engagements with the South African Government in response to persistent xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
It noted that the evacuation was coordinated through close collaboration among the Nigerian High Commission 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, ensuring seamless registration, departure and reception procedures.
The Federal Government commended Air Peace Limited for its continued patriotism and invaluable support throughout the evacuation programme, describing the airline’s role as instrumental to the success of the humanitarian mission.
Reaffirming its commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, the government stated that the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad remain central to the nation’s foreign policy.
While acknowledging the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, the Federal Government condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals. It pledged to sustain diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities to promote peaceful coexistence and guarantee the safety of all residents.
The government also assured Nigerians in the diaspora of continued consular protection through proactive diplomatic engagement, timely intervention and strengthened cooperation with host countries.
It further advised Nigerians residing abroad to remain law-abiding, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with embassy officials to facilitate prompt assistance whenever necessary.
The Federal Government welcomed the returnees back home and assured them of continued support through relevant government agencies to aid their reintegration into society.
