The Federal Government has confirmed that the third evacuation flight for Nigerians who have opted to return voluntarily from South Africa will leave Johannesburg late Thursday with 271 passengers.
The government said the evacuation is part of its continued efforts to assist Nigerian nationals who have expressed a willingness to return home under its voluntary repatriation programme.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the evacuation flight, which will be operated by Air Peace, is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at midnight on Thursday.
The aircraft is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The ministry noted that the exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to facilitating the safe and orderly return of Nigerians residing in South Africa who have indicated interest in coming back to the country.
“The third evacuation flight operated by Air Peace will depart Johannesburg today by 12 midnight with 271 returnees. The estimated time of arrival in Lagos is 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026,” the statement read.
The ministry explained that the latest operation follows two earlier evacuation flights conducted under the same programme, which successfully transported hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa back to Nigeria.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to supporting citizens abroad and ensuring that those seeking voluntary repatriation receive the necessary assistance throughout the process.
The evacuation programme has continued to provide an avenue for Nigerians who wish to return home to do so in a safe and coordinated manner, with the government working alongside relevant agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the exercise.
