Urgent Repatriation: Air Peace Rescues Nigerians Amid Escalating Xenophobia in South Africa

In a crucial humanitarian initiative, Air Peace Limited, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, successfully evacuated 262 Nigerian nationals from South Africa. This significant operation was prompted by a new wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals across various regions of South Africa. The special flight, utilizing a Boeing 777 aircraft, departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 10:25 a.m. on Thursday, showcasing the airline's capability for large-scale humanitarian missions.

Upon its arrival, the aircraft was directed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Cargo Terminal, where government officials and agency representatives were present to receive the returnees. Prominent figures included Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); and Mr. Nowel Ngala, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer. Their presence underscored the national importance of the evacuation.

Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended Air Peace for its prompt and decisive action, characterizing the mission as a testament to Nigeria's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad. He further elaborated that this intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu's citizen-centred foreign policy, which prioritizes the protection of Nigerian nationals during international crises. Hon. Dabiri-Erewa extended gratitude to the Federal Government for facilitating the smooth operation and acknowledged the effective coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, and Air Peace. She also reassured Nigerians overseas that their safety and dignity remain a paramount national concern.

Mr. Ngala, speaking on behalf of Air Peace, described the xenophobic events leading to the evacuation as deeply unsettling. He reaffirmed the airline's steadfast dedication to humanitarian service, noting that this operation perfectly embodies the long-standing vision of Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, who has consistently positioned the airline as a key partner in national service and humanitarian interventions. This recent mission adds to Air Peace's impressive humanitarian track record, which includes assisting stranded Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019 South African xenophobic crisis, the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2023 Sudan emergency, and the 2025 rescue of trafficked Nigerian girls from Abidjan.

Furthermore, discussions are reportedly underway regarding additional rescue flights, as more than 1,000 Nigerians are still awaiting evacuation from South Africa. A second batch of returnees is anticipated on June 15. Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, confirmed that Air Peace has committed five flights to bring all stranded Nigerians home, signaling a sustained airlift operation in the days ahead. For the returnees, their arrival in Nigeria provides a much-needed sense of relief and closure after a frightening period of violence and uncertainty.

This latest operation reinforces a significant emerging trend within the African travel industry: the increasingly vital partnership between governments and private aviation firms in managing cross-border crises. As geopolitical dynamics, migration patterns, and safety concerns continue to shape the continent's travel landscape, airlines that are prepared to extend their services beyond purely commercial operations are poised to play an increasingly defining role in shaping Africa's travel future in the coming years.