Third batch of stranded Nigerians evacuated from S/Africa arrive Lagos

The third batch of stranded Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, aboard an Air Peace flight carrying 270 returnees.

The evacuation exercise was approved and funded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety, welfare, and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.

This latest evacuation follows the successful return of the first batch of 258 Nigerians on Thursday, June 11, 2026, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.

The second batch June 25th, comprising 66 returnees, was facilitated by the Chairman/CEO of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname.

The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.

Upon arrival, the evacuees expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his prompt approval and decisive intervention that ensured their safe return.

They also conveyed appreciation to the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi; the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and the various government agencies that played critical roles in the evacuation process, including 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 relevant stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Mr. Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for his citizen-centred leadership and steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerians worldwide.

He noted that the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has assured that all registered Nigerians seeking evacuation will be brought home safely.

As part of efforts to support the returnees and facilitate their reintegration, NiDCOM announced several assistance packages including ₦1,000,000 cash support for all indigenes of Imo State courtesy of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, free SIM packs with data valued at ₦50,000 and credited an additional ₦100,000 to each returnee’s bank account from MTN Nigeria.

Officials of NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, the Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN, and relevant security agencies were present at the airport to receive, document, and provide immediate assistance to the returnees.

The returnees expressed deep appreciation for the support, warm reception, and generous interventions provided upon arrival, describing the government’s response as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians, regardless of their location around the world.