The federal government has evacuated another batch of 284 Nigerians from South Africa, marking the fifth evacuation flight to bring citizens home since the xenophobic crisis began.
The flight, operated by Air Peace, arrived at the Hajj/Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos late Thursday, where officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service documented the new arrivals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the airlift was part of an ongoing government-sponsored repatriation exercise for citizens who feel endangered by the recent wave of xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
Of the five evacuation flights conducted so far, Air Peace has operated four, bringing home a total of 1,085 Nigerians: 262 on June 11, 2026; 271 on June 30, 2026; 268 on July 3, 2026; and 284 on July 9, 2026.
ValueJet Airlines operated the second flight, evacuating 66 Nigerians on June 24, 2026. Combined, the total number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa since the crisis began now stands at 1,151.
In a statement, Air Peace confirmed it had completed the fourth phase of its humanitarian evacuation operation, safely bringing home the latest 284 Nigerian nationals in collaboration with the Federal Government.
The flight, operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft, “underscores Air Peace’s continued commitment to supporting national emergency response efforts by providing safe and seamless transportation for Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.”
“With the successful completion of today’s mission, Air Peace has now safely repatriated 1,085 Nigerians across four humanitarian evacuation flights, having previously evacuated 262 Nigerians on June 11, 271 on June 30, 268 on July 3, and 284 on July 9,” the airline said. “The milestone further reinforces the airline’s enduring readiness to deploy its fleet and operational capabilities in the service of the nation whenever duty calls.”
“More than an airlift, the ongoing evacuation exercise reflects Air Peace’s unwavering humanitarian philosophy; one rooted in compassion, patriotism and an abiding commitment to ensuring that Nigerians, regardless of where they may be, can always count on a safe journey home in times of crisis,” the airline said.
The carrier said the latest operation adds to its broader record of humanitarian interventions.
“Since commencing operations, Air Peace has undertaken more than sixteen evacuation and relief missions across Africa and beyond, deploying its aircraft in support of emergency repatriations, humanitarian crises and other national interventions,” it said. “As Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace remains steadfast in its mission to connect people beyond destinations, delivering hope, restoring families and standing ready to answer the call whenever Nigerians need a way home.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said the latest batch of returnees comprised 272 adults and 12 infants, with two officials also on board the flight.
