The Federal government of Nigeria has approved five evacuation flights to repatriate citizens from South Africa amid escalating xenophobic tensions.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has greenlit funding for these free evacuation flights, with the national carrier Air Peace expected to handle the operations.
Renewed anti-foreigner protests and attacks in parts of South Africa have raised serious safety concerns for African immigrants, particularly Nigerians.
Reports of violence in areas like Durban and other hotspots have prompted swift action from Abuja. Over 1,000 Nigerians have reportedly registered for assistance, with initial figures showing at least 130 citizens eager to return home voluntarily.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed the approval of the five evacuation flights by the government of Nigeria while speaking with journalists on Sunday.
He said the evacuation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to support Nigerians willing to return home amid rising concerns in South Africa.
According to him, screening of registered Nigerians has been extended to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to allow more applicants to complete verification.
Ebienfa said over 500 Nigerians have so far been screened and cleared for evacuation.
He said the first flight is expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening and will airlift about 270 passengers, subject to final permits and clearances.
“The screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday 10th June, 2026,” he said.
“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared. Mr. President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace and the first flight which will airlift about 270 passengers is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured.”
He added that details of departure and arrival times would be communicated once final approvals are received from the Nigerian mission in South Africa.
The ministry had earlier announced that the screening exercise would end on Saturday but extended the timeline due to the number of applicants requiring verification.
Officials said the exercise is ongoing as more Nigerians continue to register for voluntary repatriation.
