Breaking: FG Evacuates 270 Nigerians from South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobic Tensions

Breaking: FG Evacuates 270 Nigerians from South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobic Tensions

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded arrangements to evacuate 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for citizens willing to return home.

The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, 2026, aboard an Air Peace aircraft specially deployed for the evacuation.

The latest operation comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions, anti-immigrant protests and the growing challenges faced by some Nigerians living in South Africa.

Air Peace to Airlift 270 Nigerians from Johannesburg

In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that the evacuation flight will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, at 3:30 p.m.

According to the ministry, the aircraft will depart Johannesburg at 12:00 midnight with the 270 returnees and is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, subject to operational conditions.

FG Intensifies Efforts to Protect Nigerians Abroad

The evacuation is part of the Federal Government's continued efforts, through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and other relevant agencies, to assist Nigerians abroad who wish to return home voluntarily.

Over the years, the government has carried out several successful evacuation missions involving Nigerians stranded overseas due to armed conflicts, immigration challenges, humanitarian emergencies, economic hardship and other security-related concerns.

Air Peace Continues Humanitarian Support

Air Peace has remained a key partner in government-assisted evacuation operations, transporting thousands of Nigerians from countries affected by conflicts and crises.

Its continued participation highlights the airline's role in supporting national humanitarian and emergency response efforts.

Xenophobic Concerns Renew Calls for Action

The latest evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, prompting fresh calls for stronger diplomatic engagement to safeguard Nigerians living in the country.

The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians who remain in South Africa that it is actively engaging South African authorities and will continue to prioritize their safety and welfare.

The reassurance comes after reports that some Nigerians protested at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria over growing fears linked to renewed xenophobic tensions.

Previous Evacuation Successfully Completed

The current operation follows another successful evacuation exercise in which 269 Nigerians returned safely to Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg.

The back-to-back evacuation missions underscore the government's commitment to providing timely assistance to citizens facing difficult circumstances abroad.

Conclusion

The evacuation of another 270 Nigerians from South Africa demonstrates the Federal Government's determination to protect its citizens wherever they may be. As concerns over xenophobic violence continue, Nigerian authorities say they will sustain diplomatic efforts, provide humanitarian support where necessary and ensure that every willing citizen has a safe path back home.

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