No fewer than 282 Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday as the Federal Government continued its ongoing evacuation exercise for citizens affected by recent developments in the Southern African nation.
The returnees are expected to arrive aboard the fourth evacuation flight operated by Air Peace, which is scheduled to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 7:30 p.m.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the aircraft will be carrying a total of 284 passengers, comprising 282 Nigerian returnees—272 adults and 12 infants—and two government officials who accompanied the flight to coordinate the evacuation process.
Ebienfa clarified that while the flight manifest listed 284 passengers, only 282 were evacuees, as the remaining two were government personnel.
The latest airlift forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation programme aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa following recent developments affecting foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad, with Air Peace continuing to provide airlift support for the repatriation operation.
The fourth evacuation flight adds to the number of Nigerians already brought home under the initiative, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide consular assistance to citizens who require support.
