ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights to bring home more than 500 Nigerians living in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuation operation will be carried out by Air Peace, with the first flight expected to depart Johannesburg on Wednesday, airlifting about 270 Nigerians who have been screened and cleared for evacuation.
The approval was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement released on Sunday.
According to the ministry, the evacuation exercise became necessary following recent anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, during which businesses owned by Nigerians were reportedly attacked and several foreign nationals were killed in a wave of violence.
The Nigerian Mission in Pretoria also announced that the screening of Nigerians who have indicated interest in returning home has been extended until Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to accommodate more affected citizens.
The Federal Government said the evacuation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly those affected by the latest outbreak of xenophobic violence.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the security of African migrants in South Africa, where periodic attacks against foreign nationals have sparked diplomatic tensions and calls for stronger protection measures.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the remaining evacuation flights and reception arrangements for returnees upon their arrival in Nigeria.
