The Federal Government has announced that another batch of Nigerians will return from South Africa on Tuesday as part of its ongoing voluntary evacuation programme ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and is scheduled to return to Lagos on Tuesday morning with 271 Nigerians who opted to be evacuated.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the evacuation exercise remains part of the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today,” Ebienfa said.
“An Air Peace aircraft departed on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time.
“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.”
He confirmed that 271 Nigerians are expected on the flight.
The latest evacuation comes as anti-immigration groups prepare to stage demonstrations beginning June 30, prompting the Federal Government to intensify efforts to assist Nigerians who have indicated a willingness to return home.
President Bola Tinubu approved the voluntary evacuation programme earlier this month to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa.
Earlier in June, the Federal Government announced the approval of five Air Peace evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians were screened for repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the arrangement was designed to ensure that every registered Nigerian who wished to return home would be accommodated.
Before the latest operation, 328 Nigerians had already been evacuated in two batches. The first flight, which arrived on June 11, brought back 262 returnees, while a second batch of 66 landed in Lagos on June 25.
The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with Air Peace and other relevant agencies.
