Nigeria to Repatriate 270 Citizens from South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to receive another group of 270 Nigerians from South Africa on Wednesday as part of its ongoing voluntary evacuation exercise.

The development was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who said an Air Peace aircraft has been deployed for the operation.

According to the statement, the aircraft will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 3:30 pm and is expected to arrive in South Africa at midnight.

The return flight will then depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 evacuees on board, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 5:00 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

“In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the AirPeace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026 for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30pm,” the statement read.

It added that the return leg will transport the evacuees back to Nigeria early Wednesday morning, barring any unforeseen delays.

The latest operation forms part of the Federal Government’s broader programme to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa, following earlier successful evacuation flights.

Officials say the initiative reflects continued efforts to support citizens abroad and ensure safe return for those who choose to come back home.

Do you think Nigeria’s evacuation programme for citizens abroad should be expanded or remain limited to emergency cases?