Evacuation Exercise Ends with 1,393 Nigerians Safely Returned
Air Peace has successfully concluded the Federal Government’s evacuation exercise from South Africa, safely returning the final batch of 308 Nigerians and bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,393 across five humanitarian flights.
The final evacuation flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 11:28 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The airline’s Boeing 777-200 aircraft docked at the Cargo and Hajj Terminal, marking the successful conclusion of the humanitarian operation coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace.
The returnees were received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside senior immigration officials. They welcomed the passengers’ home on behalf of the Federal Government and assured them of continued support as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Addressing the returnees, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the hardship they experienced during the crisis. She also conveyed a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to supporting their reintegration and welfare.
She praised everyone involved in the humanitarian operation, particularly Air Peace and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, for responding swiftly to the national assignment. “She expressed profound appreciation to Air Peace and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, for once again placing national service above commercial interest in answering the country’s call.”
The successful evacuation exercise represents another major achievement in Nigeria’s humanitarian response to the security situation in South Africa. It also highlights the importance of strong collaboration between government agencies and private sector organisations in protecting Nigerian citizens overseas.
From the beginning of the operation, Air Peace deployed its Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft on five dedicated evacuation missions. The airline safely transported 1,393 Nigerians home while maintaining high standards of safety, comfort and operational excellence throughout the exercise.
Beyond moving passengers, the humanitarian flights reunited families separated by crisis and restored hope to hundreds of Nigerians forced to leave South Africa. Therefore, the operation reinforced public confidence that the nation will continue to stand by its citizens during periods of uncertainty.
The completion of the evacuation exercise further strengthens Air Peace’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s leading humanitarian airline. Since commencing operations, the carrier has undertaken more than 20 humanitarian and evacuation missions across Africa and beyond, supporting emergency repatriations, humanitarian interventions and other national response efforts.
Meanwhile, the airline said these humanitarian operations reflect the pan-nationalistic vision of its Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema. His longstanding commitment to humanitarian service has positioned Air Peace as a dependable national institution that consistently deploys its resources in support of Nigeria and the wider African continent.
In addition, the successful conclusion of the South Africa operation demonstrates the airline’s readiness to support government-led emergency responses whenever required. The five-flight mission showcased Air Peace’s operational capability while reinforcing its commitment to national service.
As Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to connecting people beyond destinations. The carrier said it remains committed to standing with Nigerians during difficult times, supporting humanitarian initiatives and delivering hope whenever the nation calls.
