Nigeria evacuates hundreds of citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence

Nigeria's Federal Government has extended its evacuation operation for citizens in South Africa as xenophobic attacks continue. Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu warned Nigerians to use the remaining flights, noting the last charter is expected to arrive in South Africa on 10 July. The minister cited the murders of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, and called for a full investigation by South African authorities.

A scheduled Air Peace flight departed Lagos on 7 July and returned with 270 Nigerians on the night of 7‑8 July, landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport early Wednesday. The operation follows earlier evacuations, including a charter that arrived in Nigeria on 3 July. Officials emphasized that the repatriation is voluntary and urged those who feel unsafe to register for the remaining slots.