June 11 (THEWILL) — Air Peace Limited, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, on Thursday, successfully evacuated and repatriated 262 Nigerians from South Africa following a recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The special evacuation flight, operated by West and Central Africa’s largest airline, departed Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport aboard Air Peace’s Boeing 777 aircraft, registration number 5N-BVE, and arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at exactly 10:25 a.m.
The aircraft subsequently docked at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Cargo Terminal, where scenes of relief, gratitude and emotion unfolded as the returnees stepped onto Nigerian soil after fleeing insecurity and hostility in South Africa.
The arrival was witnessed by top government officials and stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and the Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, Mr Nowel Ngala, alongside representatives of relevant government and security agencies.
Speaking shortly after receiving the evacuees, Enikanolaiye commended Air Peace for once again responding to the nation’s call during a critical period and assisting the government in protecting Nigerians abroad.
According to him, the evacuation exercise reflected the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the welfare, safety and protection of Nigerian citizens wherever they may be.
He noted that the swift intervention was in line with the Federal Government’s citizen-centred foreign policy and demonstrated the determination of the administration to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned in times of distress.
“The successful evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection of its citizens and its readiness to act decisively whenever Nigerians face danger abroad”, the minister said.
Enikanolaiye further praised all agencies and stakeholders involved in coordinating the operation, describing the exercise as a successful demonstration of effective collaboration between government institutions and the private sector.
Also addressing journalists, NiDCOM Chairman, Dabiri-Erewa, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating the evacuation and ensuring the safe return of the affected citizens.
She described the operation as another demonstration of a government that prioritises the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living outside the country.
Dabiri-Erewa applauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa and Air Peace, noting that their collective intervention made the successful repatriation possible.
She reassured Nigerians in the diaspora that their welfare would continue to receive the attention of the government and that mechanisms remained in place to provide assistance whenever circumstances required.
“This evacuation sends a clear message that Nigeria remains committed to its citizens abroad and will continue to stand by them during challenging times”, she stated.
For Air Peace, the mission represented yet another chapter in the airline’s growing legacy of humanitarian service and national intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the airline, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala, described the circumstances that necessitated the evacuation as unfortunate and deeply concerning.
He reiterated the airline’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes and national interests, noting that the evacuation aligned with the vision and philosophy of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CON.
According to Ngala, Air Peace has consistently placed compassion, patriotism and service above commercial considerations whenever Nigerians have faced emergencies across the globe.
He affirmed that the airline remains prepared to support the Federal Government in future humanitarian operations and emergency evacuations involving Nigerian citizens.
Ngala also disclosed that discussions were ongoing regarding the possibility of additional evacuation flights should the situation in South Africa worsen or more Nigerians seek assistance to return home.
He commended President Tinubu and the Federal Government for their prompt intervention and coordination of the rescue effort, which ensured the safe and successful return of the evacuees.
For the 262 returnees, Thursday’s homecoming represented much more than a journey across international borders. It marked a return to safety, the restoration of hope and a reaffirmation that their country had not forgotten them during a difficult period.
Many of the evacuees were visibly emotional upon arrival, expressing gratitude to both the Federal Government and Air Peace for facilitating their return and providing a lifeline amid uncertainty.
The latest evacuation further strengthens Air Peace’s reputation as Nigeria’s foremost humanitarian airline and a dependable partner during national emergencies. Over the years, the carrier has repeatedly stepped forward to support government-led rescue missions involving Nigerians caught in crises around the world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Peace undertook several evacuation and repatriation operations to bring stranded Nigerians home from various countries when international travel restrictions disrupted global movement.
In 2019, the airline carried out a landmark evacuation exercise that returned Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.
In 2022, Air Peace deployed aircraft to evacuate Nigerians fleeing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while in 2023, it partnered with the Federal Government to rescue citizens trapped by the crisis in Sudan.
Most recently, in 2025, the airline facilitated the evacuation of trafficked Nigerian girls from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring their safe return home.
Thursday’s successful operation adds another significant milestone to that record and highlights the impact of effective collaboration between government and private enterprise in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
As the returnees begin rebuilding their lives back home, the evacuation stands as a powerful testament to national solidarity, responsive leadership and corporate citizenship.
Beyond transporting passengers across continents, Air Peace continues to carry something far greater — the hopes, safety and pride of the Nigerian people, reinforcing its role as a strategic national asset whenever crisis strikes.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
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