The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to evacuate another 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for citizens wishing to return home.

The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in the early hours of Wednesday aboard an Air Peace aircraft deployed for the evacuation mission.

The latest operation forms part of the Federal Government's sustained efforts, through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and other relevant agencies, to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Nigerians facing various challenges in South Africa.

In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, announced the flight schedule for the evacuation exercise.

According to the ministry, the Air Peace aircraft will depart Lagos on Tuesday afternoon for Johannesburg before returning overnight with the evacuees.

"In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the Air Peace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026, for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30 p.m.

"The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12.00 midnight, and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is 5.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, all things being equal."

The evacuation is the latest in a series of government-assisted repatriation exercises organised for Nigerians stranded abroad due to security concerns, immigration challenges, economic hardship and humanitarian emergencies.

Over the years, Air Peace has partnered with the Federal Government on several evacuation missions, including the return of Nigerians affected by conflicts and other crises in different parts of the world.

The latest exercise also comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

The Federal Government recently reassured Nigerians living in South Africa of their safety while reaffirming its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of its citizens abroad through diplomatic engagement and voluntary evacuation programmes.

The repatriation underscores the government's continued commitment to ensuring that Nigerians who choose to return home are able to do so safely, orderly and with official support.