By Ochiaka Ugwu
Nigerian government Wednesday successfully concluded the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation of Nigerian nationals affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in Republic of South Africa bringing the total number of evacuated Nigerians to 1,490.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja signed by Spokesperson of Nigerian Foreign Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it noted, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully concluded the fifth phase of the voluntary evacuation of Nigerian nationals affected by xenophobic attacks and related security concerns in the Republic of South Africa, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“The fifth evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, departed Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa at 6:30 a.m. South African time on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 11:30am.
“The aircraft conveyed 308 passengers, comprising 305 returnees and three Nigerian Government officials who coordinated and supervised the evacuation exercise.
“With the successful completion of this operation, the Federal Government has now evacuated a total of 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa through a series of coordinated humanitarian flights undertaken in partnership with Air Peace Limited and South African Airways.
“The breakdown of the evacuation programme is as follows: 10 June 2026: Air Peace – First Flight: 258 returnees, 24 June 2026: South African Airways: 66 returnees, 30 June 2026: Air Peace – Second Flight: 272 returnees, 2 July 2026: Air Peace – Third Flight: 268 returnees, 9 July 2026: Air Peace – Fourth Flight: 282 returnees, 11 July 2026: South African Airways: 39 returnees, 15 July 2026: Air Peace – Fifth Flight: 305 returnees Total Evacuated: 1,490 Nigerians.
“The evacuation exercise was undertaken following the sustained engagement with the Government of the Republic of South Africa and in response to the security concerns arising from ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in close collaboration with the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies, ensured the smooth coordination of the exercise from registration to departure and necessary reception activities upon arrival in Nigeria.
“The Federal Government expresses profound appreciation to Air Peace Limited for its continued patriotism and partnership and support throughout the evacuation programme.
“The evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to Citizens’ Diplomacy, which places the protection, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy. The Government remains resolute in ensuring that every Nigerian, irrespective of location, receives the necessary consular support and protection whenever circumstances demand.
“While appreciating the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa, the Federal Government reiterates its firm position that all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against foreign nationals are unacceptable. Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the South African Government through diplomatic channels to promote the safety, security and peaceful coexistence of all residents” the statement noted.
