Fourth Evacuation Flight Lands in Lagos as 284 Nigerians Flee Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Another batch of Nigerians has made it home as the Federal Government pushes ahead with voluntary evacuations from South Africa.

The Air Peace flight touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos late Thursday night. On board were 284 citizens — 272 adults and 12 infants — who departed Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 2:50 pm South African time. The plane landed in Lagos around 7:30 pm.

Footage shared by media showed the moment families with young children disembarked onto the tarmac using mobile stairs. Airport staff in high-visibility vests guided them across the apron as they carried luggage and personal belongings into the terminal.

It was not a smooth take-off in Johannesburg. The first aircraft scheduled for the trip was grounded after its windshield shattered. Air Peace quickly deployed a replacement aircraft to ensure the evacuees could leave.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced the departure on X. She said the government is providing a pathway to safety for Nigerians who feel at risk due to the anti-immigrant protests and attacks spreading across South Africa.

“To the returnees, we say, ‘Welcome Home’,” she posted.

This is the fourth evacuation flight organized so far. The development comes as members of the House of Representatives call for tougher sanctions against South Africa over the treatment of African migrants.