The Federal Government has announced the final phase of its emergency evacuation programme for Nigerians in South Africa, urging citizens who fear for their safety amid ongoing xenophobic violence to take advantage of the remaining chartered flights home.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal on Monday, describing the situation in South Africa as deeply concerning following continued attacks on migrants and the reported deaths of two Nigerians, identified as Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
In a statement posted on her official X account, the minister said Nigeria was demanding a thorough investigation into the killings and called on South African authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, and even more so following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu during these unfortunate events,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She added: “We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice, and are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG-sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home. There are no signs that the situation is improving.”
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had already completed three evacuation operations before President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the exercise beyond the initial June 30 deadline.
According to her, the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, 2026, while another chartered aircraft is scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to evacuate more Nigerians.
She further revealed that the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, describing it as the last opportunity for Nigerians wishing to return under the government-sponsored programme.
“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilize the full capacity of the aircrafts,” she said.
“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.”
Appealing to Nigerians still undecided, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that personal safety should take precedence over material possessions.
“For many still sitting on the fence, they should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, saying, “The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, and will put all necessary measures in place to protect it.”
