Xenophobia: Air Peace evacuates more Nigerians from S/Africa

Air Peace has done the fourth phase of evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, bringing home another 284 Nigerian nationals.

The spokesperson for Air Peace, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey, disclosed in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

He said the development was part of Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to evacuate citizens affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Osifo-Whiskey said that the latest evacuation flight was operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft.

He said the 284 returnees arrived in Nigeria on Thursday evening, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,085.

The official said the operation demonstrated continued commitment of Air Peace to supporting Federal Government’s emergency response efforts by providing safe and seamless transport for stranded Nigerians.

According to him, the airline evacuated 262 Nigerians during the first mission on June 11, and brought back 271 on June 30, and 268 on July 3.

He said that the successful completion of the fourth evacuation mission highlighted the airline’s readiness to deploy its fleet and operational capacity in support of national emergencies whenever required.

“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 said that the airline had carried out more than 16 evacuation and relief missions across Africa and beyond since it began operation.

Osifo-Whiskey said that Air Peace remained committed to supporting Nigerians at home and abroad, adding that it would continue to deploy its resources whenever called upon to assist citizens in need.