FG Sets Tuesday Flight to Evacuate Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government will run another evacuation flight for Nigerians in South Africa on Tuesday, as it moves to protect citizens amid concerns over possible xenophobic attacks.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told reporters in Abuja on Monday that an Air Peace aircraft left Nigeria on Monday and will bring more evacuees back early Tuesday.

The flight is scheduled just before anti-immigrant protests expected to start on June 30. Government has been operating a voluntary return plan for Nigerians in South Africa who want to go home.

“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our citizens from South Africa today,” Ebienfa said.

He stated that the Air Peace flight departed Nigeria at 3:00 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026, and was due in South Africa around 9:00 pm local time. It will leave South Africa at 12:00 midnight and land at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport Tuesday morning.

Ebienfa urged Nigerians staying after the June 30 protests to remain alert, avoid protest areas, and stay in touch with the Nigerian High Commission for guidance.

“Stay calm and security conscious. Keep away from protest gatherings. Maintain contact with the High Commission,” he said.

The exercise is under a programme President Bola Tinubu approved this month to help Nigerians leave South Africa voluntarily.

On June 7, the government approved five Air Peace flights after screening over 500 citizens. Before this, 328 people had been evacuated in two groups 262 on June 11 and 66 on June 25.

The Ministry said the goal is to safely return every registered Nigerian who wants to come home. The Federal Government is managing the operation with Air Peace and other agencies.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier advised citizens to reduce movement, avoid protest sites, and stay vigilant following reports of planned demonstrations against foreigners.

Authorities said they are also working with South African officials to keep Nigerians safe as evacuation continues for those who choose to leave.

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