Xenophobia: FG reschedules airlifting of Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has rescheduled the airlifting of the first batch of Nigerians wanting to leave South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in the country.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Ebienfa said the proposed airlifting of the first batch of returnees from South Africa, which was earlier scheduled for Monday, June 8, has been rescheduled to Wednesday.

Ebienfa said the development was due to unforeseen logistical considerations.

He stated that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights, which would be operated by Nigeria’s private airliner, Air Peace.

FG to repatriate over 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa over xenophobic attacks

Ebienfa disclosed that the first flight expected to transport about 270 passengers would leave Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, after all necessary permits and clearance have been secured for the aircraft.

The ministry spokesman added that the federal government has extended the screening of Nigerians, who were willing to be evacuated from South Africa to Wednesday.

He said: “I received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday.

“So far, more than 500 persons have been screened and cleared.”