The Federal Government has announced that another batch of Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa on Tuesday, July 7, as violent xenophobic hostilities targeting black migrants continue to escalate across the country.
The upcoming flight marks the latest phase of an emergency repatriation exercise launched by Nigerian authorities following deadly protests and clashes led by anti-migrant fringe groups demanding the immediate removal of foreigners.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the deployment on Monday via her official X handle, urging vulnerable citizens to prioritize their safety.
“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow, Tuesday, 7th July, to bring home our citizens,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated. “Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.”
The evacuation effort was initially scheduled to conclude last month, but a presidential directive has kept the lifeline open as conditions worsen on the ground.
The final scheduled evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa.July 10, 2026
The repatriation comes amid deep grief and anger within the Nigerian diplomatic community. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu strongly condemned the recent killings of two Nigerians in South Africa, demanding that local authorities “urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.”
With the final July 10 deadline looming, the Federal Government is pleading with citizens who feel their lives are at risk to utilize the full capacity of the remaining aircraft and return home before the rescue mission concludes.
