Key points

• An Air Peace flight returns another batch of Nigerians from South Africa on Tuesday.
• The move precedes anti-immigrant protests expected to begin June 30.
• The exercise has brought home 328 Nigerians since June 11.

The federal government has scheduled another evacuation flight for Nigerians in South Africa, with the aircraft due back on Tuesday. Notably, the move comes as anti-immigrant protests threaten to begin on June 30.

South Africa has seen repeated waves of anti-immigrant violence over the years. Frequently, such unrest targets African migrants, including Nigerian traders and workers.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa announced the plan on Monday. According to him, an Air Peace aircraft has already flown to South Africa to collect another batch of voluntary returnees.

He said the plane left Nigeria at 3 p.m. on Monday and expected to land in South Africa around 9 p.m. local time. Subsequently, it would begin the return leg at midnight and reach Lagos on Tuesday morning.

A flight timed to protests

The aircraft will land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. As a result, officials expect the returnees to clear arrival procedures on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Ebienfa urged Nigerians still in South Africa to stay cautious as the demonstrations approach. Specifically, he advised them to avoid protest sites and remain security-conscious.

“Avoid locations where demonstrations are taking place,” Ebienfa said, while pressing returnees to register early. Moreover, he stressed that the program remains entirely voluntary.

Furthermore, he asked them to keep in regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria. Therefore, anyone in danger can reach the mission for updates and emergency help.

In addition, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has repeatedly urged citizens to limit unnecessary movement. Indeed, it asked them to avoid protest hotspots and stay vigilant.

How the wider operation is going

President Bola Tinubu approved the emergency response after reports of possible xenophobic attacks. Earlier this month, the government authorized five Air Peace flights once more than 500 Nigerians registered to return.

So far, the exercise has brought home 328 people. According to the ministry, the first batch of 262 landed in Lagos on June 11, while another 66 arrived on June 25.

Additionally, the ministry said it coordinates the program with Air Peace and other agencies. Consequently, it aims to repatriate every registered Nigerian who wants to come home.

Still, the government continues to engage South African authorities on behalf of those who stay. Ultimately, officials said security agencies keep monitoring the situation as the operation continues.

As a result, the ministry says it will keep flights running until every willing returnee is home.