Nigerian government resumes evacuation flights from South Africa
The Federal Government has restarted evacuation flights for Nigerians in South Africa amid fears of xenophobic attacks. Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday, June 29, 2026, to bring back citizens. The move comes ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30. Over 700 Nigerians remain stranded as bureaucratic delays have slowed the release of approved evacuation funds by Bola Tinubu.
What we know
- An Air Peace flight left Nigeria on June 29, 2026, and is scheduled to return with evacuated Nigerians on Tuesday morning.
- Anti-immigrant protests are expected to start on June 30, with a deadline issued by anti-immigration groups.
- The Federal Government, with approval from Bola Tinubu, announced five evacuation flights on June 7 after screening more than 500 citizens.
- Previous evacuations brought home 262 Nigerians on June 11 and another 66 on June 25.
- The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has advised citizens to avoid protest areas and remain in contact with authorities for updates.
