Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has facilitated the return of an additional 39 Nigerians from South Africa through a special Air Peace flight, as the emergency evacuation exercise for citizens affected by ongoing xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests enters its final phase, Prime Business Africa reports.
The 39 returnees departed Johannesburg for Lagos on Friday, July 10, 2026, under emergency travel arrangements coordinated by the government in collaboration with Air Peace to accommodate Nigerians who were unable to return on the previous evacuation flight.
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Fourth Evacuation Flight Raises Total Number of Nigerians Repatriated from South Africa to 1,085
The additional airlift was arranged to prevent any disruption or backlog in the ongoing repatriation programme, particularly for Nigerians who completed their documentation within the stipulated deadline for the evacuation exercise.
The flight is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 8:50 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Federal Government commended the management of Air Peace for its support and flexibility in facilitating the additional operation, noting that the airline’s intervention helped ensure the seamless continuation of the evacuation process.
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The latest flight comes after the fourth evacuation exercise, which brought back 282 Nigerians from South Africa on Thursday, July 9, 2026, comprising 270 adults and 12 children. That flight raised the total number of Nigerians evacuated through the programme to 1,085.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the final evacuation flight, expected to bring home approximately 300 more Nigerians, is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria next week, marking the conclusion of the government-led repatriation exercise.
The continued evacuation effort highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and providing a safe pathway home for citizens whose safety has been threatened by the ongoing xenophobic incidents in South Africa.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, remains committed to the welfare, protection and safe return of Nigerians affected by the unrest, the Minister said.
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.
