Nigeria has intensified evacuation of citizens from South Africa as xenophobia fears rise, with Air Peace flights repatriating stranded nationals

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has intensified the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa as concerns grow over possible xenophobic violence linked to planned anti-immigration demonstrations expected to begin on 30 June 2026.

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The latest evacuation exercise, coordinated in Lagos on Monday, 29 June 2026, saw an Air Peace aircraft depart Nigeria in the afternoon to airlift registered Nigerians who had opted for voluntary return amid rising security concerns in parts of South Africa.

According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the operation is part of an ongoing repatriation programme aimed at ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens caught in escalating tensions abroad.

“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,” Ebienfa said, adding that the return leg is scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.

Authorities confirmed that another batch of evacuees is expected to arrive in Lagos, as the government scales up efforts to bring home citizens willing to leave voluntarily.

Officials also warned Nigerians still in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid protest hotspots and maintain contact with diplomatic missions.

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

The evacuation follows growing concern over planned demonstrations in South Africa, which Nigerian officials fear could escalate into targeted attacks on foreign nationals.

Reports suggest that more than 700 Nigerians remain stranded, with logistical and funding delays slowing down the evacuation process despite presidential approval.

Earlier operations had already brought home hundreds of Nigerians. A first flight on 11 June 2026 repatriated 262 citizens, while another 66 returned on 25 June, bringing total numbers evacuated so far to over 300.

The Federal Government had earlier approved five Air Peace flights to support the exercise after more than 500 Nigerians completed screening for evacuation.

The programme is being carried out in collaboration with relevant agencies and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

While evacuation efforts continue, diplomatic channels remain active between Nigeria and South African authorities, with assurances that measures are being taken to protect Nigerians who remain in affected areas.

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The government says the priority remains safeguarding lives as tensions persist ahead of the planned protests, while urging citizens to comply with safety advisories until normalcy returns.