By Tonye Apiri
Air Peace has completed the federal government’s special evacuation exercise in South Africa, flying in the last group of 308 Nigerians on its Boeing 777-200.
The airline made the disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey. According to the statement, the latest arrival brings the total number of returnees to 1,393 across five separate humanitarian flights.
The Boeing 777-200 landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday. It arrived at the Cargo and Hajj Terminal, signaling the end of the joint humanitarian mission between the federal government and Air Peace.
According to the carrier, the exercise reflected Nigeria’s prompt humanitarian action in response to security concerns faced by Nigerians in South Africa. It also highlighted how effective government and private sector partnership can be in safeguarding citizens abroad.
“From the commencement of the operation, Air Peace deployed its Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft across five dedicated evacuation missions, safely airlifting 1,393 Nigerians.
“Each evacuation flight carried families back to loved ones, restored hope to those displaced by uncertainty and reaffirmed that Nigerians can rely on their nation,” Air Peace said, adding that the missions have further cemented its standing as Nigeria’s foremost airline for humanitarian operations through consistent involvement in emergency responses.
The airline noted that since it began operations, it has carried out over 20 evacuation and humanitarian flights within Africa and internationally, providing support for emergency repatriations, relief efforts, and national assignments.
On arrival, the returnees were welcomed by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, together with senior officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Ms Dabiri-Erewa expressed sympathy over the difficulties they endured during the crisis and restated the Nigerian government’s resolve to support the returnees’ resettlement and wellbeing.