Xenophobic Attacks: Air Peace, FG Rescue 262 Nigerians from South Africa
The Federal Government, in partnership with Air Peace Limited, on Thursday successfully evacuated 262 Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks that have targeted foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The emergency airlift, which was carried out aboard Air Peace’s Boeing 777 aircraft, marked yet another humanitarian intervention by the airline and highlighted the government’s determination to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of Nigerians abroad.
The evacuation flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:25 a.m.
Upon arrival, the aircraft proceeded to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Cargo Terminal, where government officials and representatives of relevant agencies received the returnees.
Emotional scenes characterised the homecoming as many of the evacuees, who had fled the violence and uncertainty in South Africa, expressed relief at returning safely to Nigeria.
Present at the reception were the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, Mr Nowel Ngala, among other dignitaries.
Addressing journalists shortly after the arrival of the flight, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said the evacuation reflected the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protecting Nigerians regardless of where they reside.
He stated that the prompt intervention demonstrated the government’s citizen-focused foreign policy and reaffirmed its resolve to stand by Nigerians in times of difficulty.
According to the minister, the rescue operation underscored the importance attached by the administration to the welfare and security of citizens living outside the country.
He commended Air Peace for responding swiftly and partnering with the Federal Government to bring the affected Nigerians back home.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised President Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating the evacuation exercise.
She described the operation as another indication that the government remains committed to preserving the dignity and safety of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa and Air Peace for their roles in ensuring the success of the rescue mission.
She assured Nigerians living overseas that their welfare would continue to receive priority attention from the government.
Speaking on behalf of Air Peace, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala, described the circumstances that necessitated the operation as unfortunate and deeply troubling.
He said the evacuation aligned with the vision of the airline’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CON, who has consistently championed humanitarian causes and placed national interest above profit.
Ngala reaffirmed the airline’s readiness to continue supporting the Federal Government in protecting Nigerians around the world and disclosed that discussions were ongoing regarding additional evacuation flights if required.
He also commended President Tinubu and government agencies involved in the operation for ensuring the smooth and safe return of the affected citizens.
Thursday’s evacuation has further strengthened Air Peace’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading humanitarian carriers.
Since its establishment, the airline has repeatedly deployed its resources to assist Nigerians caught in crisis situations around the world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Peace operated several repatriation flights to return stranded Nigerians from various countries.
In 2019, the airline mounted a landmark operation to evacuate Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa. It also played a key role in evacuating citizens trapped by the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and collaborated with the Federal Government in 2023 to rescue Nigerians caught in the Sudan crisis.
In 2025, the airline undertook another humanitarian mission by facilitating the return of Nigerian girls rescued from human trafficking in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
For the 262 returnees, the journey home represented much more than transportation across continents. It signified safety, reassurance and the enduring bond between the nation and its citizens.
The successful evacuation also demonstrated the value of cooperation between government institutions and private enterprises in responding to emergencies.
As the rescued Nigerians reunited with family members and loved ones, the operation stood as a powerful symbol of compassion and national solidarity, reinforcing the message that Nigerians facing adversity abroad can still count on the support of their country.
