The Federal Government has announced that another batch of Nigerian citizens will be evacuated from South Africa on Tuesday as part of ongoing efforts to protect nationals affected by the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in a statement posted on her official X account on Monday.
According to the minister, an additional evacuation flight has been scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, 7 July, to bring home Nigerians who wish to return because of the worsening security situation.
“Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow, Tuesday, 7th July, to bring home our citizens,” she wrote.
The latest operation forms part of the Federal Government’s continued repatriation programme aimed at ensuring the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa amid reports of renewed xenophobic violence.
Since the evacuation exercise commenced last month, four batches of Nigerian nationals have already been successfully returned to the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the final evacuation flight under the current arrangement is expected to arrive in South Africa on 10 July, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to return home if they feel unsafe.
“Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return,” the minister stated.
She urged Nigerians living in South Africa, particularly those who believe their lives are under threat, to take advantage of the Federal Government-sponsored evacuation programme while it remains available.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the initial deadline of 30 June, following the successful completion of earlier operations.
“Following the earlier evacuations of our citizens in three separate operations, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, extended the evacuations beyond the June 30 deadline, with the fourth evacuation flight having arrived in Nigeria on 3rd July 2026,” she said.
She further encouraged Nigerians wishing to return home to make full use of the available aircraft capacity before the evacuation exercise concludes.
In addition to announcing the latest evacuation plans, the Foreign Affairs Minister condemned the recent killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
She called on the South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.
The Federal Government has repeatedly expressed concern over recurring attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, while continuing diplomatic engagements with the South African government to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerian citizens.
The renewed evacuation exercise underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, particularly those facing threats to their safety as a result of xenophobic violence. The government has continued to advise affected Nigerians to remain vigilant and take advantage of available support where necessary.