ABUJA — The Federal Government has successfully repatriated a second batch of 66 Nigerians from South Africa, following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026. This latest group follows an initial batch of 258 citizens who were flown back to the country on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the arrival of the 66 individuals, noting that the evacuation is part of a coordinated inter-agency effort to protect vulnerable citizens abroad.
Joint Efforts and Logistics
The emergency flight was facilitated through a partnership with the private sector, specifically funded and organized by Mr. Kunle Soname, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet. Officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the evacuees to ensure smooth transit and documentation.
Mr. Dipo Onabowale, Head of the Lagos Office for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), spoke on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for swiftly approving the evacuation. Onabowale added that logistical challenges encountered during the first phase on June 11 had been resolved.
Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reassured the public that the government remains fully committed to evacuating every registered Nigerian in South Africa who wishes to return home before the end of the month.
Support Systems for Returnees
Upon arrival, the returnees were met by a reception team consisting of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
To assist with immediate reintegration, a network of public and private donors announced several support packages:
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- Financial Aid: Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State pledged N1 million to each returnee originating from Imo. Additionally, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, founder of Harvesters International Christian Centre, donated N100,000 to every evacuee, alongside a separate N100,000 cash credit provided to each individual’s bank account during profiling.
- Connectivity: MTN Nigeria provided free SIM cards loaded with N50,000 worth of data to help the returnees reconnect with their families.
Systematic Issues Abroad
Speaking to journalists at the airport, several returnees described an increasingly hostile environment in South Africa. Beyond the physical threat of violence, many cited institutional roadblocks, stating that local authorities made it intentionally difficult for Nigerians to renew their legal residency paperwork. Others noted deep-seated social friction and resentment from local groups.
The Nigerian Communities in South Africa (NICASA) has urged the government to expedite the process, as hundreds of citizens remain registered and waiting for clearance. President Tinubu’s directive aims to bring over 742 registered Nigerians back home securely.
