BREAKING: Technical Glitch Delays Return of 270 Nigerians from South Africa

The planned repatriation of 270 Nigerians from South Africa has been delayed following technical issues affecting the aircraft scheduled to bring them home.

The returnees, who were expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday as the fourth batch of Nigerians voluntarily returning from South Africa, have been temporarily accommodated in hotels in Johannesburg pending the deployment of a replacement aircraft.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, confirmed the development to the media, saying the passengers were checked into hotels after the flight was delayed.

According to Ajayi, another aircraft belonging to Air Peace is expected to be deployed to complete the evacuation, while the returnees remain in Johannesburg awaiting further travel arrangements.

He added that a new departure time has not yet been fixed, noting that the Nigerian mission will provide further updates once the replacement flight is confirmed.

The latest group forms the fourth batch of Nigerians participating in the Federal Government’s voluntary return programme from South Africa. Authorities have assured the stranded passengers that efforts are underway to ensure their safe return to Nigeria as soon as possible.