LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation exercise for Nigerians affected by xenophobic tensions in South Africa will continue on Wednesday, with the arrival of the fourth evacuation flight carrying 270 returnees.
The Air Peace aircraft is expected to depart Johannesburg at midnight and arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, around 5:00 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, according to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Ebienfa said the evacuation is part of government efforts to assist Nigerians who have expressed their desire to return home following renewed attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals, particularly Africans, in South Africa.
“In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the AirPeace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees,” he stated.
With the arrival of the latest batch, the number of Nigerians evacuated under the exercise will rise further. So far, the Federal Government has facilitated the return of 859 Nigerians who opted to leave South Africa amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks.
The government has continued to engage relevant stakeholders while providing support for affected Nigerians and ensuring safe passage for those seeking to return home.
