The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully evacuated 66 citizens from South Africa as part of ongoing emergency efforts triggered by renewed xenophobic attacks, with the second batch of returnees arriving safely in Lagos on Wednesday, June 25, 2026.
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The evacuees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 8:50 p.m., marking another phase in the government’s coordinated response to protect Nigerians affected by rising violence against foreign nationals in South Africa.
The evacuation follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the repatriation of Nigerians who expressed willingness to return home amid growing insecurity concerns abroad.
Officials confirmed that the latest group brings the total number of evacuees to over 300, following an earlier return of 258 Nigerians on June 11 via a chartered Air Peace flight.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development, noting that the exercise remains ongoing and will continue until all registered Nigerians willing to return are safely repatriated.
The evacuation was coordinated with support from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and facilitated by ValueJet Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kunle Soname, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Lagos representative Dipo Onabowale commended the federal government for its swift intervention, noting that challenges encountered during the first evacuation phase were being addressed.
He added that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had assured that all registered Nigerians affected by the crisis would be brought back in subsequent batches.
Beyond government efforts, the returnees also received support packages upon arrival, including financial assistance and basic relief items from various organisations and individuals.
Indigenes of Imo State among the evacuees were reportedly given N1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodimma, while MTN Nigeria provided SIM cards and data support worth N50,000 per person.
Additional financial donations were also made by Pastor Bolaji Idowu and other stakeholders.
Many of the returnees expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and partner agencies for ensuring their safe return, describing the evacuation as timely and reassuring amid uncertainty abroad.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other security agencies were present at the airport to receive and document the evacuees.
Authorities say the evacuation programme will continue until all registered Nigerians willing to return from South Africa are safely brought home.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
