The Federal Government has announced that 271 Nigerians will return home from South Africa on Friday morning as part of its ongoing voluntary evacuation programme aimed at assisting citizens who wish to come back to Nigeria.
According to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the third evacuation flight will depart Johannesburg at midnight on Thursday and is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The flight will be operated by Air Peace as part of the government’s continued efforts to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Nigerians living in South Africa.
FG confirms third evacuation flight
The announcement was contained in a statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the latest evacuation reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens abroad.
The statement said:
“The third evacuation flight operated by Air Peace will depart Johannesburg today by 12 midnight with 271 returnees. The estimated time of arrival in Lagos is 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026.”
The ministry noted that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure the passengers travel safely back to Nigeria.
Ongoing voluntary repatriation programme
The latest group of returnees follows two previous evacuation flights that transported hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa back to the country.
The voluntary repatriation programme was introduced by the Federal Government to assist Nigerians who wish to return home, particularly those facing difficult living conditions or other personal challenges abroad.
Officials have stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigerian citizens and provide humanitarian assistance where necessary.
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Air Peace continues evacuation operations
Air Peace has remained a key partner in the evacuation programme by providing aircraft for the repatriation exercise.
The airline has previously participated in several government-backed evacuation missions involving Nigerians stranded in different parts of the world.
Its involvement in the South Africa operation continues its role in supporting national emergency and humanitarian transportation efforts.
Government reaffirms commitment to citizens abroad
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians regardless of where they reside.
It explained that the evacuation programme demonstrates the government’s determination to respond to the needs of citizens seeking assistance overseas.
The ministry also encouraged Nigerians living abroad to continue engaging with Nigerian diplomatic missions whenever they require consular support or emergency assistance.
Previous evacuation efforts
The South Africa repatriation exercise has already seen hundreds of Nigerians voluntarily return home through earlier flights organised by the Federal Government.
Those operations were coordinated through Nigeria’s diplomatic missions alongside relevant South African authorities to ensure smooth documentation and travel arrangements.
The third evacuation flight is expected to further strengthen those efforts by bringing another 271 Nigerians safely back to Lagos.
Arrival expected on Friday morning
Upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the returnees are expected to undergo the necessary immigration and arrival procedures before reuniting with their families or continuing to their respective destinations across the country.
The Federal Government has not indicated whether additional evacuation flights will follow but has maintained that it will continue monitoring the situation and provide support to Nigerians who choose to return under the voluntary repatriation programme.
With the latest operation, the government says it remains focused on ensuring the safety, welfare and dignified return of its citizens while strengthening cooperation with international partners and airlines involved in the evacuation process.
