Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s Federal Government on Thursday stepped up its evacuation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa, as the fourth repatriation flight returned 282 citizens, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated since the exercise began to 1,085, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Air Peace-operated Boeing 777-200 aircraft departed Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at about 2:50 p.m. South African time on July 9, 2026, conveying 284 Nigerians, comprising 273 adults and 12 children, alongside airline crew and Nigerian government officials. The flight arrived in Nigeria at 7:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
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Join our WhatsApp ChannelAir Peace Evacuates 268 More Nigerians From South Africa, Total Returnees Reach 801
The operation had experienced a brief setback after the aircraft initially assigned to the mission was unable to fly following a reported windshield failure in Johannesburg. Air Peace swiftly deployed a replacement Boeing 777-200, ensuring the evacuation proceeded with minimal disruption.
At the time of filing this report, the returnees were being deboarded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.
The latest airlift follows three earlier evacuation flights that brought home 801 Nigerians, raising the total number of citizens repatriated from South Africa to 1,085. The continued evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s response to the persistent wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests that have forced many Nigerians to seek a safe return home.
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Beyond the numbers, the latest operation highlights Abuja’s determination to protect its citizens abroad by providing a voluntary pathway to safety for those who believe they and their families remain at risk. It also demonstrates the government’s readiness to mobilise diplomatic and logistical resources in response to humanitarian emergencies affecting Nigerians overseas.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home, as efforts to safeguard citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa remain ongoing.
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.
