The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate 271 Nigerian citizens stranded in South Africa on Monday as fears grow over potential xenophobic violence linked to anti-immigration demonstrations.
The evacuation operation will be carried out using an Air Peace aircraft, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Air Peace Flight Scheduled for Monday
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed that the aircraft is scheduled to depart Nigeria at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, arriving in South Africa later that evening.
Following the evacuation, the return flight is expected to leave South Africa at 12:00 a.m. local time, with arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.
In a statement, Ebienfa confirmed that 271 Nigerians are expected to be aboard the return flight.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today,” he said.
“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. 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. The expected number is 271.”
Evacuation Triggered by Anti-Immigrant Threats
The emergency evacuation comes ahead of a June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-immigration vigilante groups calling for undocumented foreign nationals—particularly Black African migrants—to leave South Africa.
The threats have heightened concerns over possible xenophobic attacks, prompting several African governments to make arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of their citizens.
South African Authorities Increase Security
South African authorities have publicly condemned the activities and threats attributed to the vigilante groups, stressing that they will not tolerate acts of violence or intimidation against foreign nationals.
Security agencies, including the police and military, have reportedly strengthened deployments across the country to maintain public order and prevent any outbreak of violence.
Nigeria Continues Consular Support
The latest evacuation underscores the Nigerian government’s efforts to provide consular assistance and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad during periods of heightened security risks.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring developments in South Africa while working with local officials to safeguard Nigerians who remain in the country.
