By Peter Omopo
The Federal Government has confirmed that the fourth evacuation flight conveying stranded Nigerians from South Africa is scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday evening, as efforts to repatriate affected citizens continue.
The update was disclosed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who said the Air Peace-operated flight is expected to land at approximately 7:30 p.m.
According to the ministry, the flight is carrying 282 Nigerian returnees, including adults and infants, as well as government officials overseeing the evacuation process.
In a statement, the ministry noted that the latest operation forms part of the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to ensuring the safe and orderly return of Nigerians affected by the situation in South Africa.
The evacuation follows a temporary delay after the aircraft scheduled for the operation was unable to depart on Wednesday due to cracks detected on the cockpit windscreen during pre-flight checks.
Authorities said the technical issue was promptly addressed to ensure the safety of passengers before the journey resumed.
The ongoing evacuation exercise is part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention to support Nigerians abroad during emergencies, while reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and protection of its citizens regardless of their location.
The latest batch of returnees adds to the number of Nigerians already evacuated from South Africa under the government’s coordinated repatriation programme.
