The Federal Government has confirmed that the final evacuation flight for stranded Nigerians in South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, July 15, bringing home 315 returnees aboard an Air Peace aircraft.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the aircraft is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 1:30 a.m. and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 6:30 a.m.
According to the ministry, the flight marks the conclusion of the government’s evacuation exercise, which began on June 11, 2026, in response to growing safety concerns for Nigerians living in South Africa.
The evacuation followed widespread protests led by the March and March group, which has been demanding the expulsion of foreign nationals, particularly other Africans, from South Africa.
Government figures show that 1,141 Nigerians have been evacuated through the official exercise. In addition, 66 people were evacuated through private efforts, while another 39 returned on separate Air Peace arrangements.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa confirmed the travel schedule in a statement, noting that the fifth Air Peace flight would complete the evacuation programme.
The President of Nigerians Citizens in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said all passengers on the final flight had been contacted and directed to report to the Nigerian High Commission in Johannesburg to complete departure formalities before boarding.
