Air Peace has concluded the fourth phase of its evacuation exercise for Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, returning 284 citizens to the country.
The airline’s spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos, saying the operation was carried out as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to bring stranded Nigerians back home safely.
Osifo-Whiskey explained that the latest flight was operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft, which transported the returnees who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday evening.
With the latest batch, the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has risen to 1,085.
He noted that Air Peace’s involvement in the exercise reflects its continued support for government-led emergency response initiatives by providing reliable and safe transportation for affected citizens.
According to him, the airline evacuated 262 Nigerians during the first phase on June 11, followed by 271 on June 30 and another 268 on July 3 before the latest operation.
The airline spokesperson said the successful completion of the fourth phase further demonstrated Air Peace’s ability and readiness to deploy its aircraft and resources during national emergencies.
“This is more than an airlift. The ongoing evacuation exercise reflects Air Peace’s unwavering humanitarian philosophy – one rooted in compassion, patriotism and abiding commitment,” he stated.
Osifo-Whiskey added that the airline has undertaken more than 16 evacuation and relief operations across Africa and other regions since it commenced operations.
He assured that Air Peace would continue to support Nigerians both within and outside the country by making its resources available whenever assistance is needed.