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The Nigerian government will evacuate 270 Nigerian nationals from South Africa on Tuesday to rescue citizens fleeing renewed xenophobic attacks and deteriorating security conditions.
Air Peace will operate this fourth special repatriation flight, which departs Lagos for Johannesburg on July 7, 2026, before returning to Nigeria on Wednesday morning.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, July 6, that the aircraft will transport the registered evacuees as part of the state’s voluntary return programme.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed deep concern for the safety of Nigerians, citing the recent tragic deaths of two citizens, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
She urged South African authorities to investigate these killings thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
With security conditions showing no sign of improving, President Bola Tinubu has extended the repatriation programme beyond the initial June 30 deadline.
The Nigerian government issued a final call for nationals to complete their documentation and utilise the remaining aircraft capacity before the final rescue flight on July 10.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu strongly appealed to hesitant citizens to prioritise their safety over material possessions, reminding them that investments can be replaced, but lost lives cannot.
