Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its evacuation operations for nationals in South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic protests and attacks targeting foreign migrants, as earlier airlift efforts have already returned hundreds of citizens home, Prime Business Africa reports.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who said the government remains deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerians in the country, particularly following reports of the deaths of two nationals, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
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Air Peace Evacuates 268 More Nigerians From South Africa, Total Returnees Reach 801
Nigeria has again called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, as diplomatic pressure mounts over the treatment of foreign nationals.
The minister added that the Federal Government is closely monitoring developments and continues to urge Nigerians who feel at risk to take advantage of the ongoing evacuation flights, warning that there are no clear signs of immediate improvement in security conditions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had earlier approved the extension of evacuation operations beyond an initial June 30 deadline, following three prior airlifts.
The latest extension builds on an ongoing repatriation programme that has already returned hundreds of Nigerians home.
In the most recent completed operation, Air Peace transported 268 Nigerians from South Africa on its third humanitarian evacuation flight, bringing the total number of returnees under that phase to 801. The 268 returnees followed earlier batches of 262 Nigerians on June 11 and 271 on June 30, underscoring the scale and continuity of the evacuation effort.
According to government officials, a fourth evacuation flight has already arrived in Nigeria under the expanded repatriation programme. Another flight is scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, while the final evacuation flight is expected to conclude the operation with arrival in South Africa on July 10.
Authorities say the phased structure is designed to ensure maximum coverage for Nigerians who still wish to return, particularly those in high-risk areas.
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Beyond diplomatic statements and scheduled airlifts, the evacuation effort points to a sustained security concern for Nigerians in South Africa and a shift by Abuja from isolated emergency responses to a structured, multi-phase repatriation framework.
It also reflects a broader policy position in which Nigerian authorities are increasingly prioritising life safety over material or economic losses abroad, underscoring concerns that the risk environment has moved beyond short-term disruption to a more persistent security challenge.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad, stating that all necessary measures will continue to be deployed to protect citizens and facilitate voluntary return where necessary.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
