FG intensifies evacuation as xenophobia fears grow in South Africa

The Federal Government has announced that another batch of Nigerians returning voluntarily from South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as it intensifies efforts to protect citizens ahead of planned anti-immigration demonstrations.

The latest evacuation comes as concerns mount over possible xenophobic violence linked to protests expected to begin on June 30.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday afternoon to airlift registered Nigerians who have opted to return home.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the arrangement, saying the aircraft would complete the round trip overnight.

“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today.

“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 pm local time.

“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.”

The operation forms part of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who have expressed a desire to leave South Africa before the planned demonstrations.

Despite the programme, hundreds of Nigerians are still awaiting evacuation. Reports indicate that more than 700 citizens remain stranded, with delays in the release of approved funds slowing the exercise despite presidential authorisation.

Ebienfa urged Nigerians who may still be in South Africa after the protests begin to remain vigilant and keep in touch with Nigerian officials.

“To be calm and security conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates.”

President Bola Tinubu approved the evacuation initiative earlier this month to assist Nigerians seeking to return from South Africa amid heightened security concerns.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier disclosed that five Air Peace flights were approved after over 500 Nigerians completed the screening process for evacuation.

Before the latest mission, 328 Nigerians had already been repatriated in two separate operations. The first flight, which landed on June 11, brought back 262 returnees, while another 66 arrived in Lagos on June 25.

The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace and relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has continued to advise Nigerians to avoid protest locations, restrict unnecessary travel and remain alert following intelligence indicating that some demonstrations could target foreign nationals.

The Federal Government also said it remains in close contact with South African authorities to safeguard Nigerians still in the country while evacuation efforts continue.