Final Evacuation Flight to Return 315 Nigerians From South Africa on Wednesday

The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for the final evacuation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa, with 315 citizens expected to return home on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace flight.

The development marks the completion of the government's coordinated evacuation exercise for Nigerians who requested assistance following recent xenophobic attacks and security concerns in parts of South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the latest development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the fifth and final evacuation flight will depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m on Wednesday, July 15, 2026and is scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 6:30 a.m.

The ministry said the Air Peace-operated flight will bring home the last batch of Nigerians who registered for evacuation, bringing the Federal Government's emergency repatriation programme to a close.

The final operation follows four earlier evacuation flights through which hundreds of Nigerians were safely returned to the country as authorities responded to concerns over the safety of citizens living in affected areas of South Africa.

The evacuation exercise was initiated after Nigerians expressed interest in returning home amid reports of xenophobic attacks and heightened security concerns.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians wherever they reside.

It also expressed appreciation to Air Peace, relevant government agencies and other stakeholders whose collaboration ensured the successful execution of the evacuation programme.

The ministry said the completion of the final flight reflects the government's continued resolve to respond promptly to the needs of Nigerians facing distress abroad and to safeguard their welfare through coordinated diplomatic and humanitarian interventions.