The Federal Government has concluded its emergency evacuation of Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, bringing home more than 1,500 citizens. The final government-sponsored flight landed in Lagos on Wednesday with 308 evacuees, marking the end of one of Nigeria’s largest recent humanitarian airlift operations.
Nigeria has officially wrapped up its emergency evacuation programme for citizens caught up in renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The final Air Peace flight chartered by the Federal Government touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday morning with 308 Nigerians and three government officials who coordinated the operation, bringing the total number of evacuees to more than 1,500.
The evacuation exercise was launched after renewed attacks and threats against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa forced many Nigerians to seek assistance from the government.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved not only the emergency airlift but also extended the operation beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups, allowing more stranded Nigerians to return safely.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the final evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg before arriving safely in Lagos.
Television footage from the airport showed women, children and entire families disembarking with their luggage as officials received and processed the returnees. Many appeared visibly exhausted after weeks of uncertainty but expressed relief at finally returning home.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Air Peace for partnering with the Federal Government throughout the evacuation exercise.
She also praised officials at Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate-General in Johannesburg for coordinating logistics, documentation and the safe departure of affected Nigerians despite the challenging conditions.
The minister described President Tinubu’s intervention as decisive, saying the emergency operation helped prevent further casualties during the xenophobic unrest.
She added that the evacuation reflected the administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad regardless of where they live, while reaffirming that the welfare of citizens remains a key foreign policy priority.
Nigeria’s evacuation comes as neighbouring Ghana also announced plans for a fresh airlift of hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following similar security concerns.
The coordinated responses by both countries highlight growing regional concern over the impact of renewed xenophobic violence on African migrants living in South Africa.
With the arrival of the final flight, the Federal Government says its emergency evacuation programme has now been successfully completed. Although the humanitarian mission has ended, officials say Nigeria will continue engaging South African authorities diplomatically while monitoring the welfare and security of Nigerians who remain in the country.