271 Nigerians to return from South Africa on Friday morning – FG

Following the need to safeguard the lives of its citizens, the Federal Government has announced that the third evacuation flight for Nigerians voluntarily returning from South Africa will depart Johannesburg at midnight on Thursday with 271 returnees on board.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, saying that the Air Peace-operated flight is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 5:30 am on Friday, July 3, 2026.

The ministry said the evacuation is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa.

“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 am on Friday, July 3, 2026,” the statement read.

The latest batch of returnees follows earlier evacuation flights that brought hundreds of Nigerians back to the country under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme.