Federal Government has facilitated the return of another 39 Nigerian nationals from South Africa as part of its ongoing emergency evacuation programme following xenophobic attacks in the country.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in an update on Friday, noting that the latest group departed Johannesburg aboard an Air Peace flight arranged to accommodate Nigerians who were unable to board Thursday’s evacuation aircraft.
According to the minister, the additional flight was organised to ensure that eligible Nigerians who completed their travel documentation within the stipulated deadline were not left behind.
She said, “39 Nigerian Nationals are on a flight back from Johannesburg to Lagos on emergency travel arrangements facilitated by Air Peace in order to accommodate those unable to return on yesterday’s flight.”
Explaining the reason for the special arrangement, Ojukwu added, “This is to ensure that there is no interruption or spillover from the ongoing pre-scheduled evacuation flights from South Africa, regarding our nationals who effected their documentation within the stipulated deadline.”
She disclosed that the flight was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026.
The minister also expressed gratitude to Air Peace for supporting the evacuation exercise.
“We wish to convey our appreciation for the management of Air Peace for their collaboration and facilitation of this additional exercise,” she stated.
Ojukwu further revealed that the evacuation programme is expected to conclude next week with the arrival of the final batch of Nigerians still awaiting return from South Africa.
“The last evacuation flight which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our Nationals is expected to arrive Nigeria next week,” she said.
The latest evacuation comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to ensure the safe return of Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.