5th batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa

The fifth batch of 270 evacuated Nigerians arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from South Africa on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. This flight marks the completion of the initial five-flight voluntary repatriation programme approved by President Bola Tinubu to rescue citizens from escalating anti-immigrant hostilities and violent protests.

The returnees landed in Lagos aboard an Air Peace charter flight.

This latest arrival pushes the total number of government-evacuated Nigerian citizens past 1,000 returnees since the operations began in June.

Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The repatriation was triggered by a severe wave of anti-foreigner sentiment and demonstrations across South Africa. Protesters issued a June 30, 2026, ultimatum demanding undocumented migrants leave the country, which quickly spiralled into coordinated threats, intimidation, and the looting of foreign-owned businesses. Many of those on the fifth flight recounted harrowing experiences, stating they had to leave behind their shops, vehicles, and life savings empty-handed to protect their lives.

Because many citizens fled in a state of emergency, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to formally engage South African authorities regarding financial compensation. Nigeria's acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, stated that the government is actively documenting the abandoned assets, properties, and livelihoods of the returnees to present for diplomatic compensation claims.

By Olagunju Success Taiwo