Nigeria completes evacuation of over 1,500 citizens from South Africa

The Nigerian government concluded a multi‑month evacuation of its nationals caught in xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Seven flights—five operated by Air Peace and two emergency flights by South African Airways—brought back 1,490 to more than 1,500 Nigerians between June 10 and July 15. The operation was coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NEMA, NIS, FAAN and other agencies. Officials praised Air Peace’s “patriotism” and affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protect citizens abroad, while urging Nigerians overseas to register with diplomatic missions.

Ghana likewise organized a large‑scale return. After earlier repatriations of about 926 people, the Ghanaian High Commissioner announced a final phase to evacuate roughly 900 Ghanaians beginning 25 July, with daily flights and support from the president’s office. In a related development, the body of Bashiru Isak, a Ghanaian killed during the xenophobic unrest, was repatriated and handed to authorities, who called for a transparent investigation.

Both countries cited the wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa as the trigger for these coordinated diplomatic efforts.