Second Batch Of Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrive In Lagos

The second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission on Thursday, the returnees landed at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The evacuation exercise was approved by President Bola Tinubu as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

66 Returnees Arrive in Latest Evacuation

The latest group comprises 66 Nigerians, following the arrival of the first batch of 258 evacuees who returned on June 11, 2026, aboard a chartered flight operated by Air Peace.

The second evacuation flight was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname.

NiDCOM stated that officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees throughout the process.

Upon arrival, the evacuees expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the evacuation and commended those who contributed to the successful operation, including:

• Otunba Kunle Soname for supporting the evacuation exercise.
• Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Alexander Ajayi.
• Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
• The National Emergency Management Agency.
• The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
• The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
• The Nigeria Immigration Service and other government agencies involved in the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman, Dipo Onabowale praised President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad and highlighted ongoing efforts by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to address logistical challenges encountered during the evacuation process.

He also revealed that additional evacuation arrangements are being made for Nigerians who have registered for return.

To support the returnees’ reintegration, several individuals and organisations provided financial assistance and welfare packages.

Indigenes of Imo State received ₦1 million each through the support of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria distributed free SIM cards loaded with data valued at ₦50,000 and credited ₦100,000 to the bank accounts of each returnee.

In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu donated ₦100,000 to every evacuee.

Officials from NEMA, the Refugee Commission, NIS, FAAN, and security agencies were present at the airport to receive the returnees, complete documentation processes, and provide immediate support where necessary.

The returnees expressed appreciation for the warm reception and assistance provided, describing the intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians regardless of their location.