Nigeria completes evacuation of 801 Nigerians from South Africa with Air Peace flights

THE Nigerian government has concluded the evacuation of 801 Nigerians from South Africa, with Air Peace operating three humanitarian flights to bring the affected citizens back home following renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

Air Peace announced the completion of the exercise in a statement issued on Friday after its 3rd and final evacuation flight landed in Nigeria carrying 268 returnees aboard a Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

The airline said the latest operation formed part of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who chose to return from South Africa amid the recent unrest.

According to Air Peace, the evacuation exercise was carried out in 3 phases, with 262 Nigerians flown home on June 11, 271 on June 30 and the final batch of 268 on July 3, bringing the total number of evacuees to 801.

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The carrier described the successful completion of the missions as evidence of its operational capacity and commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s humanitarian interventions.

It added that the evacuation exercise demonstrates the strong collaboration between the airline and the government in safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians living abroad during periods of crisis.

Air Peace said the achievement further reflects its dedication to national service and its readiness to respond quickly whenever Nigerians require emergency assistance outside the country.

The airline stated: “Beyond connecting destinations, Air Peace continues to connect Nigerians with hope, family and the reassurance of home during moments of uncertainty.”

It also revealed that it has carried out more than 16 humanitarian and evacuation operations across Africa and other regions since it began operations.

Reaffirming its commitment to future emergency interventions, the airline said it would continue to support national priorities and remain available whenever Nigerians need assistance.

“As Nigeria’s flagship private airline, Air Peace remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting national priorities, connecting people safely, and ensuring that whenever Nigerians need a way home, the airline stands ready to answer the call,” the statement said.