Air Peace Evacuates Nigerians From South Africa as 269 return in second government-backed repatriation flight landing in Lagos
A Nigeria Air Peace aircraft carrying approximately 269 repatriated Nigerians from Johannesburg landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the latest phase in ongoing government-supported evacuation efforts from South Africa.
The flight represents the second official repatriation operation coordinated by the Nigerian government, following an earlier evacuation on 11 June 2026, which brought home 258 Nigerians.
A separate group of 66 returnees also arrived on 24 June through a privately facilitated arrangement.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the latest evacuation was part of a broader plan to ensure the safe return of Nigerians who voluntarily agreed to leave South Africa amid heightened concerns over undocumented migration enforcement.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed that officials from the Nigerian mission in South Africa accompanied the returnees, while senior representatives led by Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of African Affairs, received them upon arrival in Lagos.
Ebienfa noted that the government has so far funded two official evacuation flights and has budgeted for up to five repatriation operations in total, depending on ongoing assessments and citizen demand.
“The evacuation process is still on course and more flights are expected in the coming days to bring back Nigerians who have been screened and cleared for voluntary return,” Ebienfa said.
The repatriation exercise comes amid reports that South African rights groups have urged undocumented migrants to leave the country following enforcement deadlines set around 30 June, prompting increased coordination between Nigerian authorities and their South African counterparts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it continues to engage South African officials at the highest diplomatic level to ensure the protection and welfare of Nigerian nationals, particularly those affected by immigration policy changes.
The latest arrivals were received by officials of the Nigerian government at the airport, highlighting ongoing efforts to manage migration challenges through structured evacuation and reintegration support programmes.
Authorities say additional flights are expected in the coming days as screening and clearance processes continue for Nigerians willing to return home voluntarily.
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