Story perspectives

Nigeria Evacuates 258 Citizens from South Africa, Air Peace Lands

6/15/2026

Summary

Nigeria Evacuates Nationals

Nigeria evacuated 258 nationals from South Africa, with Air Peace landing at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed Airport at 10:25 a.m. on Thursday.
Minister Sola Enikanolaiye received the evacuees and said the operation reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry coordinated documentation, medical checks and temporary housing for the returnees.
Nigeria is engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic level to address the attacks, with more flights possible.

Summary

Anti-immigration groups deadline

Anti-immigration groups March and March and Operation Dudula set a 30 June deadline for “illegal” migrants to leave South Africa.
Smart Nwobi said police often ignored civilians beating migrants who refused ID.
Analysts warned that xenophobic attacks are being used by political parties to boost support before the November local elections.
Ghana’s foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa asked the African Union to discuss the attacks at its 27 June meeting.

History

Historical Context

South Africa’s 2008 xenophobic riots, which left 62 dead and displaced over 100,000, were blamed on political manipulation ahead of the 2009 election. A similar pattern resurfaced in May 2026 when Operation Dudula-linked mobs killed five Ethiopians and prompted Nigerian minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to launch a voluntary return of 150 citizens, leading today’s evacuation of 258 Nigerians.

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Nigeria Evacuates Nationals

Nigeria evacuated 258 nationals from South Africa, with Air Peace landing at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed Airport at 10:25 a.m. on Thursday.
Minister Sola Enikanolaiye received the evacuees and said the operation reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry coordinated documentation, medical checks and temporary housing for the returnees.
Nigeria is engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic level to address the attacks, with more flights possible.

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