The Federal Government has commenced another evacuation exercise to bring Nigerian nationals back from South Africa following renewed xenophobic protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a special evacuation flight carrying returnees departed Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, and is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 10:40 a.m. on 3 July 2026.

The flight, operated by Air Peace and funded by the Federal Government, is conveying 268 Nigerian returnees alongside two officers and crew members.

Officials said the evacuation is part of ongoing efforts directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians affected by the unrest in South Africa.

The government noted that three earlier batches, totaling nearly 600 Nigerians, had already been safely evacuated before the expiration of a deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa.

Relevant ministries, departments, and agencies are expected to receive the returnees upon arrival for documentation, profiling, and reintegration processes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that evacuation efforts will continue for Nigerians who voluntarily registered and were cleared for repatriation.

It emphasized that the protection of citizens abroad remains a key priority of the administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the dignity and welfare of its nationals wherever they are in the world.