Nigeria’s Federal Government resumes the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa as xenophobic tensions and planned anti-immigrant protests approach a June 30 deadline. Multiple reports say the effort is intended to move Nigerians back home safely, with flights arranged for those who want to return.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirms that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday, June 29, 2026, to bring back another batch of willing returnees. The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at midnight and is expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning. Earlier batches were also carried out, including evacuations in June: 262 people on June 11 and 66 on June 25, after an initial evacuation of 328.
Vanguard reports that more than 15,000 Nigerians are still stranded in South Africa on the eve of the June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups. Authorities say additional flights are approved to accommodate registered individuals, and they advise Nigerians in South Africa to avoid protest areas, exercise caution, and remain in contact with the Nigerian High Commission for updates.
