The development was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said an aircraft operated by Air Peace departed Nigeria on Monday and will return with another group of evacuees early Tuesday morning.
The operation comes just days before planned anti-immigrant protests expected to begin on June 30 in parts of South Africa, heightening concerns for foreign nationals still in the country.
“We are resuming evacuation today” — Foreign Affairs Ministry
Ebienfa confirmed the renewed evacuation effort, stressing the timing and coordination of the flight.
“Nigeria will resume the evacuation of our nationals from South Africa today,” he said.
He explained that the outbound flight left Nigeria at 3:00 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026, and was expected to land in South Africa around 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 Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning,” he added.
Officials also urged Nigerians who may still be in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid areas where protests are expected to take place.
“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,” Ebienfa advised.
Growing concern as protests approach
The evacuation effort comes amid rising anxiety over planned anti-immigrant demonstrations, which have triggered warnings from Nigerian diplomatic officials and increased coordination with South African authorities.
More than 700 Nigerians are still reported to be stranded in South Africa, with concerns mounting over their safety as the June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups approaches.
Earlier reports indicated that although President Bola Tinubu approved funds for evacuation operations, bureaucratic delays had slowed disbursement processes, leaving hundreds waiting for relocation.
Series of evacuation flights already completed
The current operation is part of a broader government evacuation programme approved earlier in June to support Nigerians who voluntarily expressed interest in returning home.
On June 7, authorities authorised five charter flights operated by Air Peace to facilitate the repatriation process after more than 500 Nigerians were screened for evacuation eligibility.
Before the latest flight, two batches had already been successfully evacuated. The first group of 262 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on June 11, followed by another 66 returnees on June 25.
Altogether, the Federal Government has been working in coordination with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and other agencies to manage logistics and ensure orderly repatriation.
Diplomatic coordination and safety advisory
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has repeatedly advised citizens to limit movement, avoid protest hotspots, and remain alert following intelligence reports suggesting possible targeted demonstrations against foreign nationals.
Government officials say ongoing engagement with South African authorities is aimed at ensuring the safety of Nigerians who remain in the country while evacuation efforts continue.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on accelerating the safe return of those willing to leave, while monitoring conditions on the ground ahead of the anticipated protests.