The Federal Government has received another 269 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for undocumented nationals ahead of the June 30 deadline set by South African authorities.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the second evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with 269 returnees on board.
The latest arrival brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the exercise to 335, following the return of 66 Nigerians who arrived aboard a South African Airways flight on June 24, 2026. That earlier evacuation was facilitated by a Nigerian philanthropist.
The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Mission in South Africa and were formally received at the airport by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by the Director of the African Affairs Department, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe.
Addressing the evacuees, Ali-Gombe conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad.
He assured the returnees that the government remains resolute in safeguarding the interests of its citizens overseas while continuing efforts to support those opting for voluntary repatriation.
The ministry stated that the evacuation programme remains ongoing despite the expiration of South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
It disclosed that additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days to bring home all Nigerians who have been screened and cleared for voluntary return.
The Federal Government also pledged to sustain diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of Nigerians residing in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to providing consular support to Nigerian citizens abroad and ensuring that the evacuation process is concluded in an orderly and humane manner.
