FG Reveals When Next Batch Of Nigerians Will Be Evacuated From South Africa

The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed that another evacuation flight conveying Nigerians from South Africa will arrive in the country on Tuesday as efforts continue to protect citizens following concerns over possible xenophobic attacks.

NEWSNGR reports that the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in an interview with Vanguard on Monday.

Ebienfa said an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and would return with another batch of evacuated Nigerians on Tuesday morning.

“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today.

“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 pm local time.

“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning,” he said.

The latest evacuation comes amid concerns over planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30, prompting the government to continue its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians willing to return home.

Ebienfa urged Nigerians who choose to remain in South Africa after the planned protests to stay calm and remain security-conscious.

“To be calm and security conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates,” he said.

The evacuation exercise is part of the programme approved by President Bola Tinubu earlier this month to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa.

On June 7, the Federal Government approved five Air Peace evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians were screened for the exercise.

Before the latest operation, 328 Nigerians had been evacuated in two batches. The first flight, which arrived on June 11, brought home 262 returnees, while a second batch of 66 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on June 25.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation was being coordinated in collaboration with Air Peace and other relevant agencies.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from protest venues and remain vigilant, while the Federal Government said it was working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country.