NO fewer than 270 Nigerians are expected to be evacuated from South Africa today as the Federal Government begins the first phase of a planned airlift operation approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in response to rising concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the evacuees are part of more than 500 Nigerians who have so far been screened and cleared for repatriation following a series of anti-foreigner protests in South Africa that have reportedly targeted businesses and properties linked to Nigerians.
The evacuation operation is expected to be carried out by Air Peace, with the airline scheduled to transport the first batch of returnees from Johannesburg on Monday evening, subject to the receipt of all necessary permits and flight clearances.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed that President Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians who have indicated interest in leaving South Africa.
According to him, the screening exercise being conducted by Nigeria’s Mission in Pretoria has also been extended to allow more Nigerians the opportunity to register and undergo the required verification process.
In a brief statement, Ebienfa said: “I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended till Wednesday, 10th June, 2026.
“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared. Mr. President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace and the first flight which will airlift about 270 passengers is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.”
He added that Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa would continue to provide updates on the evacuation process as arrangements progress.
The decision to evacuate Nigerians followed a wave of protests in parts of South Africa against foreign nationals, with demonstrators calling on non-citizens to leave the country.
The protests have heightened concerns among members of the Nigerian community, especially after reports emerged that several businesses and shops associated with Nigerians were targeted during the demonstrations.
The Federal Government’s intervention is aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of affected citizens while providing those who wish to return home with a secure means of transportation.
With the first evacuation flight expected to depart Johannesburg today, attention is now focused on the successful execution of the operation and the subsequent flights approved by the President to bring home hundreds of other Nigerians who have been cleared for repatriation.
