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Nigeria has evacuated 287 more citizens from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks targeting migrants in parts of the country.
The fourth evacuation flight departed from Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 2:50 pm South African time on Thursday, July 9, 2026, carrying 272 adults and 12 infants, along with airline crew members and Nigerian government officials.
The evacuation operation was initially delayed after the Air Peace aircraft scheduled to transport the group reportedly suffered damage to its windshield in Johannesburg. However, the airline quickly deployed a replacement aircraft to ensure the mission continued.
The flight is expected to arrive in Nigeria at 7:30 pm, bringing home citizens who opted to leave South Africa due to concerns over their safety amid anti-migrant demonstrations and related incidents.
In a post on her X handle on Thursday, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government remains committed to protecting citizens affected by the unrest and providing a safe return pathway for those who no longer feel secure staying in South Africa.
“In advance, to the returnees, we say, ‘Welcome Home’,” she said, assuring returning Nigerians of continued support upon their arrival.
The latest evacuation follows previous efforts by Nigerian authorities to assist citizens caught up in the unrest, as diplomatic engagements continue over the treatment and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The minister has also urged Nigerians in affected areas to remain vigilant and use available support channels as efforts continue to address the challenges migrants face in the country.
The returnees are expected to be received by Nigerian officials upon arrival, marking another phase in the country’s response to the xenophobic attacks and protests.
