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Nigerian government to evacuate 270 citizens from South Africa on Wednesday

The Federal Government of Nigeria has finalized plans to repatriate 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing evacuation efforts. These individuals are expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, early on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace aircraft. This evacuation is a continuation of the government's initiatives, facilitated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to assist Nigerians in South Africa who wish to return home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, stated that the aircraft will depart Lagos on Tuesday afternoon for Johannesburg and return with the evacuees overnight. The flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 12:00 midnight and arrive in Lagos by 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. This exercise highlights the government's dedication to ensuring the safe return of its citizens, following previous evacuations due to various challenges including security concerns, economic hardship, and humanitarian emergencies. Air Peace has consistently supported these government-assisted repatriation missions. The government has also assured Nigerians remaining in South Africa of their safety amidst ongoing concerns about xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests, which have prompted calls for stronger diplomatic action. This follows a recent evacuation of 269 Nigerians from South Africa, marking the second government-coordinated exercise in recent weeks.