FG to Complete Final Evacuation from South Africa

The Federal Government has finalised plans for the last evacuation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa, with 315 returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace flight.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the statement, the fifth and final evacuation flight will depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. on 15 July 2026 and is scheduled to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:30 a.m.

The evacuation of stranded Nigerians was organised for citizens who chose to return home following recent xenophobic attacks and security concerns in parts of South Africa. The government had already carried out four successful evacuation flights, bringing hundreds of Nigerians back safely as part of its efforts to protect citizens living abroad.

The final Air Peace flight marks the completion of the nationwide evacuation exercise, ending the operation launched in response to the challenges faced by Nigerians in South Africa. The government said the initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerians wherever they reside.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of the operation. It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to continue protecting Nigerians overseas and to provide timely assistance whenever the need arises.

The completion of the evacuation of stranded Nigerians brings closure to the series of rescue flights, ensuring that all registered returnees have the opportunity to travel home safely.

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