By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

Air Peace has concluded the Federal Government’s humanitarian evacuation from South Africa, returning the final batch of 308 Nigerians aboard its Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

The airline said the final flight increased the total number of evacuees to 1,393 Nigerians transported across five successful humanitarian evacuation missions.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos by Air Peace spokesperson, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey.

Osifo-Whiskey said the final evacuation flight arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, marking the successful completion of the operation.

He said the aircraft docked at the Cargo and Hajj Terminal, officially bringing the Federal Government’s coordinated humanitarian mission with Air Peace to a close.

According to him, the operation represented another milestone in Nigeria’s humanitarian response to the security situation affecting Nigerians in South Africa.

He said the exercise also demonstrated the importance of strong public-private collaboration in protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens abroad.

“From the commencement of the operation, Air Peace deployed its Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft across five dedicated evacuation missions, safely airlifting 1,393 Nigerians.

“Each evacuation flight carried families back to loved ones, restored hope to those displaced by uncertainty and reaffirmed that Nigerians can rely on their nation,” he said.

Osifo-Whiskey said the operation further strengthened Air Peace’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading humanitarian airline through its continued support for emergency response efforts.

He said the airline had undertaken more than 20 humanitarian and evacuation missions across Africa and beyond since commencing operations.

According to him, the missions supported emergency repatriations, humanitarian interventions and national response efforts whenever the need arose.

He disclosed that the returnees were received by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside senior immigration officials.

Osifo-Whiskey said the officials welcomed the evacuees on behalf of the Federal Government and assured them of continued support.

Dabiri-Erewa sympathised with the returnees over the hardships experienced during the crisis and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s reassurance of government support.

She affirmed the administration’s commitment to the returnees’ reintegration and overall welfare following their arrival in Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa commended everyone involved in the evacuation and expressed appreciation to Air Peace and its Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema.

Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government-led humanitarian initiatives, connecting Nigerians beyond destinations and providing hope during periods of uncertainty. (NAN)

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