Nigeria’s biggest airline, Air Peace, has warned people about scammers allegedly asking stranded Nigerians to pay $1,000 (₦363,000) for its free evacuation from the South Africa.

The airline on Thursday volunteered to send an aircraft to South Africa from Friday, September 6, to evacuate stranded Nigerians who wish to return to the country free of charge.

The warning comes after a Nigerian living in South Africa, Fred Okeke, inquired from the airline to confirm whether the flight is really free or not.

“We heard that you are donating the flight for free evacuation from South Africa to Nigeria, but it is very unfortunate to hear that they are asking the affected victims to pay the sum of $1000 as registration to be eligible to benefit from the fight. So I want to bring it to your notice.”

Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, stressed that the evacuation was free because the airline was concerned about the safety of Nigerians following the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“We have not designated or recruited any agent in South Africa to collect money on behalf of Air Peace.

“So nobody should pay money to anyone or group of persons posing as Air Peace agent or staff.

“Any Nigerian who has paid money for repatriation to Nigeria with Air Peace should request for a refund and report to appropriate authorities,”