The Federal Government has announced that the last group of 315 Nigerians stranded in South Africa due to recent xenophobia-related incidents will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, concluding the country’s evacuation operation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the fifth and final evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday and land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 6:30 a.m.
“The last and fifth evacuation flight from South Africa operated by AirPeace is expected to depart Johannesburg with 315 returnees on Wednesday 15th July 2026 at 1.30am and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos is 6.30am,” Ebienfa stated.
Five Evacuation Flights Bring Over 1,100 Nigerians Home
The evacuation exercise was launched to assist Nigerians who requested to return home following recent xenophobia attacks and growing security concerns in parts of South Africa.
Before the final flight, the Federal Government had successfully completed four evacuation operations, bringing back a total of 1,141 Nigerians since the exercise began on June 11, 2026.
In addition to the government-led effort, 66 Nigerians were reportedly evacuated through the support of a private individual, while another 39 people returned under arrangements made by Air Peace.
The latest flight will officially conclude the coordinated evacuation programme initiated to ensure the safe return of Nigerians who chose to leave South Africa.
Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Nigerians Abroad
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens regardless of where they reside.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to Air Peace and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of the evacuation exercise.
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The completion of the fifth flight marks the end of a weeks-long humanitarian operation aimed at providing safe passage for Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobia and insecurity in South Africa.
Government officials have maintained that the welfare and safety of Nigerians overseas remain a priority, with continued diplomatic engagement expected to address issues affecting citizens living abroad.
