The first group of Nigerians fleeing xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa touched down safely in Lagos on Thursday morning aboard an Air Peace flight.

The chartered Air Peace aircraft, carrying approximately 268 to 270 returnees, departed Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night and arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos early Thursday.

The repatriation is part of a larger voluntary evacuation effort coordinated by the Nigerian government in response to escalating attacks and protests targeting foreign nationals, particularly undocumented migrants, in South Africa. Nigerian authorities have planned up to five flights, with more than 500 citizens already screened and cleared for return.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the federal government is fully funding the operation and has arranged reception, medical checks, documentation, and reintegration support for the returnees, many of whom were described as traumatized after escaping a “hate-infested environment.”

The move comes after renewed tensions in South Africa, where groups have protested against immigration, accusing foreigners of contributing to crime and job shortages, and issued deadlines for undocumented migrants to leave. Nigeria has also summoned South Africa’s envoy over the situation.

Additional flights are expected in the coming days as Nigeria continues to assist willing citizens wishing to return home. This marks one of the largest repatriation exercises involving Nigerians from South Africa in recent years.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading carrier, has been tasked with operating the evacuation flights.

Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived this morning safely in Lagos.

The evacuation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa following reports of violence and attacks on foreign-owned businesses and communities.

The evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:15 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace aircraft.

The return flight is part of a coordinated evacuation effort by the Federal Government in response to renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, was expected to receive the returnees upon arrival at the airport.

The Federal Government had earlier assured that it would continue to engage South African authorities to ensure the protection of Nigerians and prevent further escalation of tensions.

•Joe Ajaero

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has been honoured as the 2026 laureate of the Arthur Svensson International Award for his courage and commitment to defending workers’ rights.

The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strategic acumen and an unwavering commitment to defending workers’ rights and trade union freedoms worldwide.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Oslo, Norway, yesterday , Ajaero said that the honour was not a personal achievement but recognition of the struggles of workers across Nigeria.

“I stand before you today not as a man, but as a symbol, a true symbol of millions of Nigerian workers who wake up every morning not just to the smell of tear gas, the sound of sirens, and the cold silence of a state that preys on its own people but who go to work hungry and come back hungrier more emasculated than before they left for work,” he said.