The Federal Government has finalized logistical arrangements for the final phase of its emergency evacuation program, with 315 stranded Nigerian nationals scheduled to return from South Africa on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. This marks the conclusion of a federal intervention initiated in response to xenophobic hostilities and security concerns.
Flight Details and Schedule
According to an official statement released on Tuesday by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the returnees will be transported back to Lagos aboard a chartered Air Peace flight. The fifth and final evacuation flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The aircraft is anticipated to touch down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time.
Conclusion of the Repatriation Program
This final flight officially concludes the federal intervention program, which was launched to assist Nigerian citizens who expressed a desire to return home following a wave of xenophobic hostilities and rising security concerns across several South African provinces. Prior to this final operation, the government had successfully executed four consecutive evacuation flights, repatriating hundreds of citizens who sought emergency departure.
Government Commitment and Acknowledgments
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the administration's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian nationals living abroad. It extended its appreciation to the various regional partners, aviation authorities, and state agencies that coordinated the multi-stage repatriation exercise.
