The Federal Government has approved five evacuation flights to bring Nigerians home following renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, with over 500 citizens already screened and cleared for repatriation.
The update was provided yesterday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also announced an extension of the screening exercise to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to accommodate additional applicants.
Ebienfa stated that President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of five evacuation flights operated by Air Peace, with the first expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening, subject to final aviation clearances.
“I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, 10th June, 2026. So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said.
He added that the first flight would airlift about 270 passengers, pending the issuance of necessary permits. Final departure time and arrival details will be released once confirmed by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
The evacuation follows rising xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, where attacks and threats against foreign nationals have triggered fear and displacement. Nigeria had earlier begun screening citizens at its High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African immigration, police, and diplomatic authorities to verify those willing to return home.
Initial estimates put the figure at about 400, though officials said the number remained provisional. Authorities explained that the screening exercise was necessary to establish a verified list before any evacuation flights could be deployed.
The situation in South Africa has seen sporadic violence and intimidation targeting migrants, forcing some to seek refuge in temporary shelters as tensions persist in affected communities. South African authorities have condemned the attacks and warned that security agencies would act against individuals or groups involved in unlawful actions against foreigners.
Nigeria’s evacuation effort joins similar moves by other African countries, including Ghana and Mozambique, which have also begun repatriating their citizens amid the unrest. According to the Federal Government, the evacuation remains voluntary and will continue in phases, while diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are ongoing to ensure the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country.
