Xenophobia: Air Peace Evacuates Nigerians From South Africa

Air Peace Limited, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, on Thursday, 11 June, 2026 successfully evacuated and repatriated 262 Nigerians from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.

The special evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, was conducted with the airline's luxurious Boeing 777 aircraft, bearing with mark 5N-BVE. The flight touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 10:25 a.m. and subsequently docked at the FAAN Cargo Terminal, where scenes of relief, gratitude and emotion unfolded as the returnees stepped onto Nigerian soil.

The arrival was witnessed by several dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, OON; the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON; and the Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace Limited, Mr. Nowel Ngala, alongside officials of relevant government agencies.

Addressing the media shortly after receiving the evacuees, Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended Air Peace for once again answering the nation's call at a critical moment. He noted that the evacuation exercise reflected the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to the protection and welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.

The Minister emphasized that the Federal Government's swift response underscores its citizen-centred foreign policy and determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned in times of crisis.

Also speaking, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the evacuation, describing the exercise as another demonstration of a government that prioritizes the safety and dignity of its citizens abroad.

She applauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa and Air Peace, while reassuring Nigerians in the diaspora that their welfare remains a matter of national concern.

Speaking on behalf of Air Peace, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, described the circumstances that necessitated the evacuation as unfortunate and deeply concerning. He reaffirmed the airline's commitment to humanitarian service, noting that the operation aligns with the patriotic vision of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CON, whose philosophy has consistently placed national interest, compassion and service above commercial considerations.

Mr. Ngala stated that Air Peace remains ready to support the Federal Government in safeguarding Nigerians wherever they may be and disclosed that discussions were ongoing regarding additional evacuation flights should the need arise. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their prompt intervention and coordination of the rescue effort, which ensured the safe return of the affected citizens.

For the 262 returnees, Thursday's homecoming represented far more than a flight across borders. It was a restoration of hope, a reaffirmation of national solidarity and a reminder that even in difficult circumstances, the Nigerian state and its institutions remain committed to protecting their own.

The latest evacuation further strengthens Air Peace's remarkable record as Nigeria's foremost humanitarian airline. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the carrier undertook several rescue and repatriation missions to bring stranded Nigerians home. In 2019, it operated the landmark evacuation flight that returned Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

In 2022, Air Peace deployed aircraft to evacuate Nigerians fleeing the Russia-Ukraine war. In 2023, the airline once again partnered with the Federal Government to rescue Nigerians caught in the Sudan crisis. Most recently, in 2025, Air Peace facilitated the evacuation of trafficked Nigerian girls from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, returning them safely to their homeland.

As another chapter is added to this growing legacy, the successful evacuation from South Africa stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when government and private enterprise unite in the service of humanity. Beyond transporting passengers across continents, Air Peace continues to carry something far greater, the hopes, safety and pride of the Nigerian people.