Air Peace has concluded the Federal Government’s humanitarian evacuation operation from South Africa, bringing home the final batch of 308 Nigerians and completing the airlift of 1,393 citizens across five evacuation flights.
According to a statement by the airline, the final evacuation flight arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 11:28 a.m. on Wednesday, marking the end of the government-coordinated operation carried out in partnership with Air Peace.
The returnees were received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside senior immigration officials on behalf of the Federal Government.
Addressing the evacuees, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the challenges they faced during the crisis and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting their reintegration and welfare.
She also commended Air Peace and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, for supporting the operation, saying the airline had once again placed “national service above commercial interest in answering the country’s call.”
According to the statement, Air Peace deployed its Boeing 777-200 aircraft for all five evacuation missions, safely transporting 1,393 Nigerians back to the country.
The airline said the operation highlighted the role of public-private collaboration in protecting Nigerians abroad during emergencies.
It added that, beyond transporting passengers, “each evacuation flight carried families back to loved ones, restored hope to those displaced by uncertainty, and reaffirmed the enduring promise that Nigerians can rely on their nation in times of need.”
Air Peace said it has now undertaken more than 20 humanitarian and evacuation missions across Africa and beyond since it began operations, supporting emergency repatriations and government-led humanitarian interventions.
The airline reiterated its commitment to supporting national humanitarian efforts whenever required, stating that it remains dedicated to “connecting people beyond destinations standing with Nigerians in moments of uncertainty, supporting government-led humanitarian initiatives, and delivering hope whenever the nation calls.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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