The Federal Government has urged Nigerians who feel unsafe in South Africa to take advantage of the remaining evacuation flights, announcing that the final evacuation aircraft is expected to arrive in the country on 10 July 2026.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the appeal on Monday through a statement posted on her verified X account, citing continued concerns over xenophobic attacks and the safety of Nigerian nationals.
The minister said the government remains deeply concerned by the security situation following renewed protests and attacks targeting migrants in parts of South Africa.
She also confirmed that the Federal Government had demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, two Nigerians reportedly killed during the unrest.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, those responsible for the killings must be identified and prosecuted.
She urged Nigerians who believe their lives are at risk to immediately register for the remaining evacuation flights, warning that there are no clear signs of improvement in the security situation.
“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.
The minister recalled that President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation exercise beyond the original 30 June deadline after the completion of the first three evacuation operations.
She explained that the extension was granted to allow more Nigerians who wished to return home enough time to do so.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the fourth evacuation flight landed in Nigeria on 3 July, while another chartered aircraft is scheduled to depart Lagos for Johannesburg on 7 July.
“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft,” she said.
“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.”
She cautioned that requests for emergency assistance after the evacuation exercise concludes may not be possible if individuals fail to use the available opportunities to leave.
“They should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” the minister added.
The evacuation exercise follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where previous attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have prompted diplomatic engagement and emergency response measures by the Nigerian government.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of Nigerians living abroad.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
