The Federal Government has confirmed that another evacuation flight bringing Nigerians home from South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as efforts continue to ensure the safety of citizens amid concerns over possible xenophobic attacks.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and would return with another batch of evacuated Nigerians on Tuesday morning, Vanguard reports.
The development comes ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30, with the government continuing its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who have indicated interest in returning home.
More than 700 Nigerians remain stranded in South Africa three days before the June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups.
It was gathered that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of funds for their evacuation, bureaucratic delays have prevented the release of the money, leaving hundreds stranded amid escalating xenophobic tensions.
However, Ebienfa, on Monday, said, “Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today.
“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 pm local time.
“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.”
He also advised Nigerians who may remain in South Africa after the planned June 30 protests to exercise caution and maintain contact with Nigerian authorities.
He said, “To be calm and security conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates.”
The latest evacuation is part of the programme approved by Bola Tinubu earlier this month to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa.
On June 7, the Federal Government announced the approval of five Air Peace evacuation flights to repatriate Nigerians from South Africa after more than 500 citizens had been screened for the exercise.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the flights were approved to ensure that all registered Nigerians willing to return home are safely evacuated.
Before the latest operation, the government had evacuated 328 Nigerians in two batches. The first evacuation flight, which arrived on June 11, brought home 262 Nigerians, while a second batch of 66 returnees arrived in Lagos on June 25.
The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with Air Peace and relevant agencies.
Earlier, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from protest venues and remain vigilant following intelligence reports of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
The Federal Government also said it is working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians while continuing the evacuation of those who wish to return home.
