Final Batch of 315 Nigerians to Return from South Africa

​ABUJA — The Federal Government has finalized logistical arrangements for the last phase of its emergency evacuation mission, with 315 stranded Nigerian nationals set to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. This operation marks the formal conclusion of a government-led intervention designed to secure the safe return of citizens facing mounting insecurity and xenophobic hostilities in South Africa.

​The evacuation, facilitated by Air Peace, is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with an estimated touchdown at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 6:30 a.m..

​A Multi-Stage Intervention

​The arrival of this fifth and final flight brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated through official government-coordinated efforts to 1,456 since the mission commenced on June 11, 2026. This figure includes 1,141 citizens brought home via the four previous evacuation flights, alongside 66 individuals repatriated by a private individual and 39 via separate aviation arrangements.

ADVERTISEMENT

​The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that the exercise was initiated following distress calls from Nigerians affected by nationwide protests led by the “March and March” group, which has been advocating for the exclusion of foreign nationals from South Africa.

​Government Commitment

​Reaffirming the administration’s dedication to the welfare of its citizens, the Ministry expressed gratitude to the various aviation authorities, state agencies, and regional partners who collaborated throughout the high-stakes repatriation exercise.

​Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, confirmed that the returnees have been fully processed and coordinated through the Nigerian High Commission in Johannesburg in preparation for the final departure.