July 03, (THEWILL) — Air Peace has completed its third humanitarian evacuation mission from South Africa, airlifting another 268 Nigerians to Lagos as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for citizens affected by the recent wave of anti-migrant tensions in the Southern African country.
The latest evacuation flight, operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft, arrived in Nigeria on Friday, reinforcing the Federal Government’s resolve to continue bringing home Nigerians who opted for voluntary return despite the expiration of the June 30 deadline earlier declared by anti-immigrant groups in South Africa.
The operation was conducted in partnership with the Federal Government, which has sustained evacuation flights amid concerns over the safety of Nigerians following widespread anti-immigrant demonstrations in several South African cities.
With the successful completion of the latest mission, Air Peace has now evacuated a total of 801 Nigerians under the ongoing South Africa airlift programme.
The figure comprises 262 Nigerians evacuated during the airline’s maiden humanitarian mission on June 11, 271 returnees brought home on June 30, and the latest batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated on July 3.
The latest airlift represents another milestone in the airline’s growing role as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s humanitarian and emergency response operations.
Air Peace said the deployment of its Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft once again demonstrated its long-haul operational capability and readiness to support national interventions whenever required.
The airline noted that the evacuation exercise was aimed at ensuring the safe and voluntary return of Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
According to the carrier, the successful completion of three consecutive evacuation missions highlights its commitment to national service and its readiness to respond swiftly whenever Nigerians require assistance beyond the country’s borders.
It said the operation reflected the airline’s enduring partnership with the Federal Government in delivering timely humanitarian interventions and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
The latest evacuation comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to repatriate Nigerians willing to return home following weeks of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
President Bola Tinubu had directed that the evacuation programme should continue beyond the June 30 deadline imposed by anti-immigration groups, assuring that every Nigerian who voluntarily registered for repatriation would be brought home safely.
The Federal Government has also commenced documentation of businesses, vehicles, and other valuable assets abandoned by returning Nigerians as part of plans to pursue compensation through diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities.
Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, had earlier disclosed that the Nigerian mission was compiling records of properties left behind by returnees, while dismissing claims that most Nigerians in the country were undocumented migrants.
He explained that many Nigerians entered South Africa legally but were affected by prolonged delays in the renewal of residence and work permits by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
The evacuation exercise was initiated following heightened concerns over the safety of foreign nationals after anti-immigrant groups organised nationwide protests demanding the removal of undocumented migrants.
Although South African authorities condemned the protests and deployed thousands of police officers, tactical units, and other security personnel to maintain law and order, isolated incidents of looting, intimidation, and attacks on foreign-owned businesses were reported in parts of Johannesburg, Durban, and other cities.
Several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, have since organised voluntary evacuation programmes for citizens affected by the unrest.
Air Peace said the completion of its third South Africa evacuation mission further strengthens its reputation as Nigeria’s leading humanitarian airline.
According to the airline, it has undertaken more than 16 humanitarian and emergency evacuation missions since commencing operations, deploying its aircraft and operational expertise to support crisis response efforts across Africa and beyond.
The carrier noted that beyond its commercial operations, it remains committed to supporting national priorities, providing humanitarian assistance, and deploying its fleet whenever required to protect Nigerian citizens.
It reaffirmed its readiness to continue partnering with the Federal Government in emergency response operations, stressing that it would remain available whenever duty calls in the service of Nigeria and humanity.
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