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The federal government has confirmed that another batch of Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa on Tuesday as it steps up efforts to protect citizens ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday and will return on Tuesday morning with Nigerians who opted to leave South Africa under the government’s voluntary evacuation programme.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the latest operation demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians amid growing fears of possible xenophobic attacks.
He said, “Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today.
“Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 pm 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.”
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Ebienfa also appealed to Nigerians who decide to remain in South Africa after the June 30 protests to exercise caution and stay in close contact with Nigerian diplomatic officials.
“To be calm and security-conscious. Avoid routes and areas dominated by protesters. Always be in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for necessary updates.”
The latest evacuation forms part of the emergency intervention approved by President Bola Tinubu earlier this month following intelligence reports of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
On June 7, the federal government approved five Air Peace evacuation flights after more than 500 Nigerians registered to return home voluntarily.
Before the latest operation, 328 Nigerians had already been brought back to the country in two phases.
The first evacuation flight landed on June 11 with 262 returnees, while a second batch of 66 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on June 25.
