The cool Lagos breeze caressed their faces as they disembarked from the aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Wednesday night.
For many of them of the second batch of Nigerians who stepped off a flight from South Africa and onto home soil, the journey was more than a trip across borders—it was the end of weeks of uncertainty and the beginning of a new chapter supported by government agencies, private sector partners, and concerned Nigerians determined to ensure that no citizen is left behind.
Their arrival on the night of June 24, 2026, marked another milestone in an ongoing evacuation exercise that has become a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad amid renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.
According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the latest batch arrived at about 8:50 p.m. The evacuation, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was described by the commission as part of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living overseas.
This second batch of 66 returnees was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Value Jet, Otunba Kunle Soname, whose intervention helped ensure their safe passage home.
The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, underscoring the diplomatic coordination that has characterised the evacuation effort.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the operation and ensuring their safe return. They also thanked Soname for his humanitarian support, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa Ambassador Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other government agencies involved in the exercise.
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Speaking on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman, Dipo Onabowale commended Tinubu for what he described as citizen-centred leadership that made the evacuation possible.
He also disclosed that logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation exercise were being addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who had assured that all registered Nigerians would be evacuated.
More Support For Returnees
The evacuation programme has extended beyond transportation and reception. Authorities have sought to provide immediate support to help returnees begin rebuilding their lives.
As part of the reintegration package announced by NiDCOM, Imo State indigenes among the returnees received ₦1 million each through the support of Governor Hope Uzodinma. MTN Nigeria provided free SIM packs containing data worth ₦50,000 and also credited ₦100,000 to the bank account of each returnee.
In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.
Government agencies, including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, NIS, FAAN, and security operatives, were present at the airport to receive the returnees, carry out documentation and profiling procedures, and provide immediate assistance.
The beneficiaries described the reception and support packages as evidence that Nigerians abroad have not been forgotten. They expressed appreciation for the donations and assistance, describing the gesture as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.
The evacuation exercise began earlier in June after a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant hostility swept through parts of South Africa.
First Evacuation
On June 11, Nigeria welcomed home the first group of 258 evacuees from the country. The returnees arrived aboard an Air Peace flight and were received by senior government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye.
Representatives of Nigeria’s mission in South Africa, led by Acting High Commissioner Temitope Ajayi, accompanied the evacuees and reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their safety and welfare.
At the reception for the first batch, Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria would not remain passive while its citizens faced threats abroad. The minister further assured that additional flights would continue bringing Nigerians home as the programme progressed.
The evacuation operation is expected to benefit more than 1,000 Nigerians following a registration and screening exercise coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria. According to the ministry, returnees would undergo documentation, profiling, and medical checks and receive temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families.
Anti-Black Migrant Hostility
The emergency response was triggered by escalating hostility against black foreigners in South Africa. In recent weeks, groups armed with sticks, whips, and shields have marched through communities demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country by June 30.
Foreign nationals reported intimidation and assaults, while some families were forced from their homes. Faced with growing threats, many chose to return voluntarily to their countries of origin.
Several African countries have already organised repatriation programmes for their citizens. Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have all brought home hundreds of nationals in recent weeks.
The developments have prompted concern among Nigerian authorities, who have repeatedly called for the protection of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
The Federal Government has maintained diplomatic engagement with South African authorities while monitoring developments closely. Foreign Affairs Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu also indicated that Nigeria was considering stronger measures in response to the hostility directed at Nigerians and other African migrants.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, committed resources to aid South Africa.
“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature.
“This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table,” she said.
The situation has also sparked broader conversations about governance.
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Yusuf Dantalle, argued that the attacks should encourage Nigerians to focus on rebuilding their country.
“What is happening- the xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa and in some other African countries- is a call for us to come back and fix Nigeria. Nigerians should elect who they want to fix Nigeria, not anybody deciding what should be done. Africa is supposed to look up to Nigeria as a big brother,” he said.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland Joseph Ayalogu also urged African governments to seek compensation for victims who have lost businesses and investments during the unrest.
“It’s unfortunate that they are targeting people’s businesses. I have seen some of the posts [on social media where people are] deliberately going to people’s businesses and taking over their businesses. It’s unfortunate, and the government has to even begin to think of compensating even the people who have lost their livelihood and investments there,” he said.
Meanwhile, South African authorities have sought to calm tensions ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups.
Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini appealed for peace, saying: “I am pleading with my Zulu people — the nation of Ilembe. Let there be no bloodshed. Let us not beat or attack anyone.”
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced heightened security measures nationwide, stating that law enforcement would protect communities and critical infrastructure while ensuring public safety.
As tensions continue, Nigeria’s evacuation programme has emerged as a practical demonstration of diaspora protection in action. Beyond bringing citizens home, it reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerians abroad remain connected to a government prepared to respond when their safety is threatened.
For the hundreds who have already returned—and the many more expected in the coming days—the flights from South Africa represent more than transportation. They represent reassurance that in moments of crisis, Nigeria is willing to act decisively to protect its people, wherever they may be.
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