Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The fourth batch of Nigerians fleeing xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa has arrived in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the Federal Government's ongoing voluntary repatriation exercise. The Air Peace flight touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late on Thursday, July 9, 2026. This latest evacuation brings the total number of repatriated citizens since the crisis began to over 1,100.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the flight carried 284 passengers, comprising 272 adults and 12 infants, alongside two government officials coordinating the operation. The returnees disembarked onto the tarmac under the night sky, with families, including young children, carrying their luggage and personal belongings across the airport apron.
The evacuation faced a last-minute hitch when the originally scheduled Air Peace aircraft developed a technical fault, with cracks discovered on the cockpit windscreen during pre-flight safety checks. The airline swiftly deployed a replacement aircraft, ensuring the operation proceeded with minimal delay. The flight departed Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 2:50 p.m. South African time on Thursday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the departure earlier on Thursday, stating: "The fourth evacuation flight, conveying our nationals back from South Africa following xenophobic protests and attacks ongoing in that country, departed Oliver Tambo International Airport at 2:50 pm South African time today, July 9, 2026".
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the Federal Government remains committed to providing a pathway to safety for its citizens who consider themselves and their families at risk by remaining in South Africa. "In advance, to the returnees, we say, 'Welcome Home'," she said.
The evacuation exercise was triggered by a wave of xenophobic violence that has engulfed South Africa, with anti-migrant groups issuing ultimatums and carrying out attacks on foreign nationals. The Nigerian government has condemned the attacks and has been facilitating the voluntary return of its citizens. The fourth batch is part of a broader effort that has seen hundreds of Nigerians return home across several flights. As of July 8, over 850 Nigerians had been evacuated across four operations.
Officials of relevant government agencies were on ground to receive the returnees, with documentation and reception procedures commencing immediately. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the repatriation exercise will continue, with a fifth and final evacuation flight expected to depart South Africa on July 10. Approximately 500 Nigerians were still awaiting evacuation as of early July. The government has also been providing support services to aid the reintegration of the returnees.
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