Hope lands home: Air Peace completes emergency evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa.

Air Peace has successfully evacuated 801 stranded Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks and increasing anti-immigration tensions in the country.

The humanitarian operation, carried out in collaboration with the Federal Government, was completed through three evacuation flights conducted over the past month. The final phase took place on Thursday when 268 Nigerians were flown home aboard the airline’s Boeing 777-200 aircraft, marking the largest single evacuation during the exercise.
In a statement released on Saturday, the airline’s spokesman, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, said the latest mission followed two earlier flights that brought back 262 Nigerians on June 11 and another 271 on June 30.
According to the airline, the evacuation became necessary due to worsening security concerns resulting from xenophobic attacks and growing anti-foreigner sentiments affecting Nigerians living in South Africa.
Air Peace said the exercise reflects its continued partnership with the Federal Government in safeguarding Nigerian citizens caught in emergency situations abroad.
The airline noted that deploying its long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft for the operation demonstrates its capacity and readiness to support national humanitarian interventions beyond its regular commercial services.
It added that the successful completion of the three evacuation missions highlights its commitment to reuniting distressed Nigerians with their families while providing critical assistance during times of crisis and uncertainty.
Air Peace also pointed to its expanding humanitarian role, stating that it has carried out more than 16 evacuation and relief missions across Africa and other parts of the world since commencing operations.
The airline reaffirmed its willingness to support future emergency evacuations and other national interventions, maintaining that it remains committed to assisting Nigerians whenever the need arises.
The latest evacuation comes as concerns continue over the safety and welfare of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence have repeatedly compelled governments to organise emergency evacuations for their citizens.