Air Peace Completes Evacuation of 1,393 Nigerians from South Africa

Air Peace has completed the Federal Government's evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, returning 1,393 citizens on five rescue flights following xenophobic attacks. The government praised the airline for its humanitarian support and pledged continued assistance to the returnees as they reintegrate into society.

Air Peace has successfully concluded the Federal Government's emergency evacuation programme from South Africa, returning the final group of stranded Nigerians and bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,393.
The operation, carried out through five special rescue flights, was organised in response to rising anti-immigrant violence and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

FINAL EVACUATION FLIGHT ARRIVES IN LAGOS

The final evacuation flight carrying 308 Nigerians landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11:28 a.m. on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
The arrival marked the successful completion of the government-led humanitarian operation aimed at safely bringing willing Nigerians back home.
The airline described the exercise as another milestone in its humanitarian operations across Africa.

RETURNEES WELCOMED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

The returnees were received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside senior immigration officials.
Dabiri-Erewa sympathised with the evacuees over their experiences during the crisis and conveyed President Bola Tinubu's assurance that the Federal Government would continue supporting their welfare and reintegration into society.
She also commended all agencies and partners involved in making the evacuation exercise successful.

AIR PEACE COMMENDED FOR HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

NiDCOM praised Air Peace and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, for providing aircraft and logistical support throughout the evacuation exercise.
The airline said each rescue flight represented more than transportation, describing the operation as one that reunited families, restored hope to displaced Nigerians and demonstrated the country's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Officials said the collaboration highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships during national emergencies.

AIRLINE REAFFIRMS HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENT

Air Peace said the South Africa evacuation further strengthens its growing record of humanitarian interventions.
According to the airline, it has undertaken more than 20 evacuation and humanitarian missions across Africa and other parts of the world since it began operations.
The airline credited its humanitarian philosophy to the vision of Allen Onyema, stating that it remains committed to deploying its resources whenever Nigerians require emergency assistance.

XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS TRIGGERED EVACUATION

The evacuation programme was launched after renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests spread across parts of South Africa.
The Federal Government initiated a voluntary repatriation exercise after hundreds of Nigerians expressed their willingness to return home.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation, while Air Peace was selected to operate the rescue flights.

GOVERNMENT PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT

Authorities say efforts are now shifting towards helping the returnees settle back into their communities.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over the safety of foreign nationals.
Officials also indicated that Nigeria would continue monitoring developments and remain prepared to assist citizens whenever necessary.