About 270 returnees expected in initial phase as Nigeria completes emergency evacuation from South Africa amid rising concerns over attacks on foreign nationals.
By Anita Babalola / June 9, 2026
LAGOS, NIGERIA —The first group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic-related tensions is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning.
The evacuation exercise, fully funded by the Federal Government, forms part of a coordinated diplomatic and emergency response involving multiple Nigerian agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Officials say the operation is aimed at ensuring the safe return of affected citizens while ongoing diplomatic engagements continue with South African authorities.
ARRIVAL DETAILS AND FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees are being transported aboard an Air Peace aircraft scheduled to depart O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
The aircraft is expected to land in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, marking the arrival of the first evacuation batch.
Officials confirmed that about 270 Nigerians are expected in this initial phase of the repatriation exercise.
GOVERNMENT-FUNDED EVACUATION OPERATION
The Federal Government has fully financed the evacuation, which is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with NEMA and other relevant agencies.
Authorities say the initiative includes structured reception arrangements upon arrival, including documentation, profiling, and welfare support for returnees.
Officials further explained that evacuees will be assisted with reintegration processes before being reunited with their families across different parts of the country.
DELAYS LINKED TO SCREENING AND LOGISTICS
The repatriation flight was initially scheduled for Monday but was later shifted to Wednesday due to what officials described as logistical and documentation challenges.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that the delay was necessary to complete screening procedures in coordination with South African authorities.
She also noted that more than 1,000 Nigerians had been screened during the process, with figures still fluctuating as additional individuals seek inclusion in the evacuation list.
DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATIONS AND WAIVERS
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria reportedly engaged South African authorities to secure waivers for Nigerians with immigration-related issues.
According to diplomatic sources, the arrangement was aimed at preventing detention and ensuring orderly voluntary departure for affected individuals.
The evacuation exercise is being closely monitored by both Nigerian and South African officials as part of ongoing bilateral engagement on migration and citizen protection.
BACKGROUND: RISING CONCERNS OVER ATTACKS
The evacuation follows reports of renewed attacks and hostility targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, raising concerns within the Nigerian diaspora community.
Although authorities have not officially classified the incidents as widespread xenophobic violence, the situation prompted Nigerian diplomatic missions to activate emergency response measures.
The Federal Government has previously assured Nigerians in South Africa of continued protection efforts while engaging host authorities on preventive and corrective measures.
MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE AND COORDINATION
The evacuation exercise involves coordination between several Nigerian government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NEMA, and aviation and security stakeholders.
Officials say the operation is part of a broader framework for managing emergencies affecting Nigerians abroad, particularly in high-risk environments.
Authorities emphasized that the current exercise is voluntary and designed to prioritise citizen safety while diplomatic channels remain active.
The arrival of the first batch of evacuated Nigerians from South Africa marks a significant phase in Nigeria’s emergency response to rising tensions affecting its citizens abroad.
While the government continues diplomatic engagement with South African authorities, the evacuation underscores growing concerns over migrant safety and the need for stronger bilateral protections for foreign nationals.
Further batches are expected in the coming days as screening, logistics, and coordination efforts continue.
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