BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace has successfully completed its second humanitarian evacuation mission from South Africa, bringing home another 271 stranded Nigerians as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the safety of citizens affected by xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
The latest evacuation flight, operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft, departed Johannesburg and landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday.
The aircraft arrived at the airport’s Cargo and Hajj Terminal, where the returnees underwent immigration and other arrival formalities before reuniting with their families.
The evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Federal Government following renewed concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in parts of South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks and rising tensions.
The latest operation brings the total number of Nigerians evacuated by Air Peace under the ongoing exercise to 533, following the successful return of 262 citizens during the first evacuation flight conducted on June 11.
The airline described the milestone as another demonstration of its readiness to support the Federal Government during national emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Speaking on the successful completion of the operation, the airline’s spokesperson, Mr. Efe Osifo-Whiskey, applauded the Federal Government for acting swiftly to protect Nigerians abroad while commending the leadership of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema.
He said, “Today’s successful evacuation once again reflects the power of public-private collaboration in safeguarding Nigerian lives. We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad and appreciate our Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, whose enduring patriotism and humanitarian convictions continue to position Air Peace as a dependable national asset in times of need.”
According to him, the successful mission underscores the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in responding to emergencies that affect Nigerian citizens.
Air Peace said the evacuation further strengthens its growing reputation as Nigeria’s foremost humanitarian airline, noting that it has consistently deployed its fleet and operational capabilities whenever national or regional emergencies arise.
The airline disclosed that since commencing commercial operations, it has undertaken more than 16 humanitarian and evacuation missions across Africa and beyond, transporting thousands of people from conflict zones, crisis-hit areas and emergency situations to safety.
These missions, it said, have included government-backed evacuations, emergency repatriation exercises and other humanitarian interventions carried out in support of national and continental response efforts.
Air Peace noted that beyond its commercial operations, it remains committed to using aviation as a tool for humanitarian service, national development and African solidarity.
The airline added that its repeated participation in rescue and evacuation operations reflects the vision of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, whose philosophy places human lives, patriotism and public service at the heart of the company’s operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives whenever required, pledging to continue deploying its fleet, expertise and operational capacity to provide timely assistance during emergencies while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service delivery.
The successful completion of the second South African evacuation mission further highlights the critical role Nigeria’s indigenous carriers continue to play in supporting national emergency response efforts and protecting the welfare of citizens wherever they may be.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
