Stranded Nigerians in South Africa Demand Answers After Surprise Evacuation Flight Cancellation
Tensions are escalating for hundreds of Nigerians currently in South Africa as a highly anticipated government-led evacuation flight was abruptly called off. While the federal government previously facilitated the return of over 260 citizens on June 11, 2026, plans for a follow-up flight scheduled for June 15 were cancelled at the last minute with zero official justification.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has voiced intense frustration regarding this lack of transparency. Many of the stranded individuals lack the financial resources to organize their own departure and had been entirely reliant on government intervention to leave the country safely.
Regarding the impact of the sudden suspension, NUSA President-General Smart Nwobi stated:
”The inability of the scheduled flight of 15 June 2026 to airlift these Nigerians has further compounded their challenges and raised serious concerns among affected individuals and their families.”
This uncertainty is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing anti-migrant hostility in South Africa, where informal deadlines have been set for non-nationals to leave or face potential enforcement actions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, previously issued a brief notification regarding the flight, simply stating:
”There will be no evacuation flight tomorrow.”
No follow-up clarification has been provided to the public or the families involved. NUSA is now urgently calling for the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to break their silence, provide a clear explanation for the cancellation, and outline a concrete plan to bring these citizens home.
