The fourth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight.

The returnees, comprising 272 adults and 12 infants, arrived as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing voluntary evacuation exercise amid escalating xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

Images from the arrival posted by TVC showed the passengers disembarking the aircraft via mobile stairs onto the tarmac under the night sky.

Families with young children, many carrying luggage and personal belongings, walked across the airport apron, assisted by airport staff in high-visibility vests.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier on Thursday announced the departure of the returnees.

“The fourth evacuation flight, conveying our nationals back from South Africa following xenophobic protests and attacks ongoing in that country, departed Oliver Tambo International Airport at 2:50 pm South African time today, July 9, 2026.

“On board the aircraft are 287 nationals, comprising 272 adults and 12 infants, in addition to airline crew and Nigerian officials.

“The Air Peace aircraft earlier scheduled to evacuate this batch of evacuees was unable to operate after its windshield reportedly shattered in Johannesburg.

“Air Peace swiftly deployed a replacement aircraft to facilitate this operation. Expected time of arrival of this flight is 7:30 pm,” she said in a statement posted on her X handle.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added, “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains committed to providing a pathway to safety for its citizens who consider themselves and their families at risk by remaining in South Africa as a result of the anti-migrant protests and incidents which have engulfed the country.

“In advance, to the returnees, we say, ‘Welcome Home’.” (The PUNCH)

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