The Federal Government has confirmed that another evacuation flight bringing Nigerians home from South Africa will depart on June 30 as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme following xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in parts of the country.
The latest flight follows the successful repatriation of 328 Nigerians in two batches this month, with 262 arriving on June 11 and another 66 on June 25.
The announcement was made on Monday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, amid planned protests expected to begin in South Africa on June 30.
According to Ebienfa, an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria on Monday afternoon and is expected to return with another batch of evacuees on Tuesday morning, continuing the government’s voluntary repatriation exercise.
“An Air Peace aircraft will depart Nigeria today, Monday, at 3:00 p.m. and is expected to arrive in South Africa at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time.
“The return flight is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00 midnight and is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning,” Ebienfa said.
He urged Nigerians who choose to remain in South Africa during the protests to stay calm, avoid protest routes, remain security-conscious and maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission for updates and assistance.