The federal government has confirmed that another evacuation flight bringing Nigerians back from South Africa will depart on Tuesday as efforts continue to safeguard citizens amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks.
Speaking on Monday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said an Air Peace aircraft left Nigeria on Monday and is expected to return with another group of evacuated Nigerians on Tuesday morning.
The development comes amid growing concerns over planned anti-immigrant protests scheduled to begin on June 30, as the government continues its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who have indicated interest in returning home.
He said, “Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today.
“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 pm local time.
“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.”
Ebienfa also advised Nigerians who may remain in South Africa after the planned June 30 protests to remain calm, stay security-conscious, avoid areas where demonstrators are gathering, and maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission for updates and support.
He said, “To be calm and security conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates.”
The latest evacuation forms part of the programme approved by Bola Tinubu earlier this month to support the voluntary return of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa.
On June 7, the federal government announced the approval of five Air Peace evacuation flights to repatriate Nigerians from South Africa after more than 500 citizens were screened for the exercise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the flights were approved to ensure that all registered Nigerians willing to return home are evacuated safely.
Before this latest operation, the federal government had already evacuated 328 Nigerians in two batches. The first evacuation flight, which arrived on June 11, brought back 262 Nigerians, while a second batch of 66 returnees arrived in Lagos on June 25.
The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the federal government in partnership with Air Peace and relevant agencies.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from protest venues, and remain vigilant following intelligence reports of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
The federal government also said it is working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians while continuing the evacuation of those who wish to return home.