The Federal Government has successfully concluded its evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, as the final batch of returnees arrived safely in Lagos on Wednesday, bringing an end to weeks of coordinated rescue efforts prompted by renewed xenophobic attacks.
The returnees were transported aboard an Air Peace aircraft, which landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 11:28 a.m.
For the passengers on board, the flight represented more than a journey across borders—it marked the end of a difficult chapter filled with uncertainty, fear and the hope of returning home safely.
Final Flight Brings Evacuation Exercise To A Close
The arrival of the latest group officially concludes the Federal Government’s evacuation programme for Nigerians who registered to return home following the resurgence of xenophobic violence and growing security concerns in parts of South Africa.
The evacuation exercise was initiated after reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals triggered fears among Nigerians residing in the country.
Authorities responded by coordinating a series of flights aimed at bringing willing citizens back to Nigeria.
Air Peace Played A Central Role
Throughout the evacuation programme, Air Peace remained the airline at the centre of the operation, operating multiple flights between South Africa and Lagos.
The airline transported hundreds of stranded Nigerians in phases, ensuring that those who sought evacuation were gradually returned home.
The final flight completed the government’s commitment to evacuate all Nigerians who had indicated interest in leaving South Africa.
More Than 1,100 Nigerians Returned Home
Before Wednesday’s arrival, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had announced the return of another group of 40 Nigerians aboard a chartered flight.
According to the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, that arrival brought the number of evacuated Nigerians at the time to 1,174.
NiDCOM disclosed that four earlier Air Peace flights had separately airlifted 258, 266, 262, and 282 Nigerians back to the country.
In addition, a ValueJet aircraft transported another 66 returnees, complementing the government’s evacuation efforts.
Relief For Returnees, But Concerns Remain
For many of the evacuees, returning to Nigeria marks the beginning of a new chapter after leaving behind jobs, businesses and daily lives disrupted by insecurity and xenophobic attacks.
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Families who had anxiously awaited the safe return of their loved ones also received a measure of relief as the final flight landed in Lagos.
Government Ends Rescue Mission
With the arrival of the last batch of evacuees, the Federal Government has officially wrapped up its South Africa evacuation programme.
While the operation highlights Nigeria’s response to protecting its citizens abroad during periods of crisis, it also underscores the recurring concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa whenever xenophobic violence resurfaces.
The successful completion of the evacuation now shifts attention to helping the returnees reintegrate as they begin rebuilding their lives back home.