The Federal Government has confirmed that another batch of 271 Nigerians will return home on Tuesday through an Air Peace evacuation flight as authorities continue implementing a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens wishing to leave South Africa.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday afternoon and is scheduled to arrive in South Africa later in the evening before returning to Lagos in the early hours of Tuesday.
The evacuation comes amid growing concerns over planned anti-immigration demonstrations expected to begin on June 30, prompting Nigerian authorities to accelerate efforts to ensure the safety of citizens residing in South Africa.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed that the latest operation forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
He explained that the evacuation flight departed Nigeria at 3:00 p.m. on Monday and was expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time before commencing the return journey shortly after midnight.
According to Ebienfa, the aircraft is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning with 271 Nigerians onboard.
The evacuation programme was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier this month to provide safe transportation for Nigerians who voluntarily expressed their desire to leave South Africa following rising tensions over anti-immigrant protests.
The Federal Government had previously announced that five Air Peace evacuation flights were approved after more than 500 Nigerians registered and completed screening for voluntary repatriation.
Officials said the multiple-flight arrangement was designed to ensure that every registered Nigerian willing to return home would be accommodated.
Before the latest evacuation exercise, a total of 328 Nigerians had already returned home in two separate batches.
The first evacuation flight landed in Lagos on June 11, bringing back 262 returnees, while a second flight arrived on June 25 with an additional 66 Nigerians.
With Tuesday’s scheduled arrival of another 271 citizens, the total number of Nigerians evacuated under the current programme will rise significantly as the government continues efforts to safeguard its nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the evacuation exercise is being coordinated in collaboration with Air Peace and other relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth, safe and orderly return process.
Government officials have reiterated that the programme remains voluntary and is specifically intended for Nigerians who have chosen to return home in light of the prevailing security concerns in South Africa.
Authorities also assured returning citizens that necessary support would be provided upon arrival to facilitate their reintegration.
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The Federal Government has continued to monitor developments in South Africa while engaging relevant authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians who choose to remain in the country.
The latest evacuation reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and responding swiftly to emerging security challenges affecting Nigerians in foreign countries.
