The Federal Government will on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, conclude its evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, with 315 returnees expected in Lagos aboard the fifth and final Air Peace flight.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the flight will depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 6:30 a.m.
READ ALSO:Â Nigeria’s Fourth South Africa Evacuation Flight Delayed by Aircraft Fault
The final airlift brings to an end the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who sought to return home following renewed xenophobic attacks and security concerns in parts of South Africa.
The evacuation exercise, which began on June 11, 2026, has returned 1,141 Nigerians through four government-coordinated flights. Another 105 citizens were repatriated through separate privately supported arrangements.
With the arrival of the final batch, the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa will rise to 1,561.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the exercise reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Air Peace and other partners for supporting the operation.