A second batch of 66 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos as the federal government continues efforts to bring home citizens affected by recent developments in the country.
The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Thursday.
NiDCOM said the evacuation exercise, approved by President Bola Tinubu, underscores the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of Nigerians living abroad.
The latest group follows the arrival of an initial batch of 258 Nigerians who were flown back to the country on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
According to the commission, the second evacuation was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Value Jet, Otunba Kunle Soname.
Officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa also accompanied the returnees on the journey home.
On arrival, the evacuees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for authorising the operation and ensuring their safe return.
They also thanked Soname for supporting the exercise, as well as acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi, and NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Other institutions and agencies commended by the returnees included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other government bodies involved in the operation.
Representing the NiDCOM Chairman at the reception, Dipo Onabowale praised President Tinubu for what he described as a citizen-focused approach to governance, noting that the administration had demonstrated commitment to the welfare of Nigerians regardless of their location.
He revealed that challenges encountered during the first evacuation exercise were already being addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has assured that all registered Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa would be brought home.
As part of efforts to support the returnees and facilitate their reintegration, several organisations and individuals provided financial assistance and welfare packages.
NiDCOM disclosed that returnees from Imo State received ₦1 million each through the support of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Telecommunications company MTN Nigeria also distributed free SIM packs loaded with data worth ₦50,000 and credited ₦100,000 into the bank account of each returnee.
In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each member of the group.
Government agencies, including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, FAAN, NIS and security personnel, were present at the airport to document the returnees and provide immediate assistance upon arrival.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the financial support, warm reception and reintegration assistance, describing the intervention as evidence of the federal government’s commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians across the world.
