Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The fourth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday night aboard an Air Peace flight as the Federal Government continued its voluntary evacuation programme for citizens affected by xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests.
The returnees included 272 adults and 12 infants who were flown back from Johannesburg amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier announced the departure of the flight from Oliver Tambo International Airport.
“The fourth evacuation flight, conveying our nationals back from South Africa following xenophobic protests and attacks ongoing in that country, departed Oliver Tambo International Airport at 2:50 pm South African time today, July 9, 2026.
“On board the aircraft are 287 nationals, comprising 272 adults and 12 infants, in addition to airline crew and Nigerian officials.
“The Air Peace aircraft earlier scheduled to evacuate this batch of evacuees was unable to operate after its windshield reportedly shattered in Johannesburg.
“Air Peace swiftly deployed a replacement aircraft to facilitate this operation. Expected time of arrival of this flight is 7:30 pm,” she said in a statement posted on her X handle.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assisting Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa due to the ongoing unrest.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains committed to providing a pathway to safety for its citizens who consider themselves and their families at risk by remaining in South Africa as a result of the anti-migrant protests and incidents which have engulfed the country.
“In advance, to the returnees, we say, ‘Welcome Home’.”
Images from the airport showed the passengers, including families with young children, disembarking from the aircraft and receiving assistance from airport officials upon arrival.
