Another batch of 66 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The returnees landed at about 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed their arrival in a statement issued on Thursday.
The commission described the evacuation as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to protect Nigerians facing challenges abroad.
According to NiDCOM, the evacuation exercise was approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The latest operation followed the arrival of the first batch of 258 returnees on June 11, 2026.
The earlier group was transported to Nigeria aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
The second evacuation was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname.
Officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees throughout the journey.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed appreciation for the intervention that made their return possible.
They thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the evacuation exercise.
The returnees also acknowledged Otunba Kunle Soname for supporting the humanitarian operation.
They appreciated Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi.
The group also thanked NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
They extended appreciation to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other participating government agencies.
Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman, Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
He said the government remained committed to ensuring stranded citizens return home safely.
Onabowale disclosed that challenges experienced during the first evacuation were already being addressed.
He credited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, with coordinating the improvements.
According to him, the minister assured that every registered Nigerian would be evacuated.
NiDCOM also announced support packages to assist the returnees during their reintegration.
Imo State indigenes among the returnees received N1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodinma.
MTN Nigeria distributed free SIM packs loaded with data valued at N50,000.
The company also credited N100,000 into the bank account of each returnee.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated N100,000 to every returnee.
Officials of NEMA, the Refugee Commission, FAAN, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and security agencies received the returnees.
The agencies documented the arrivals and provided immediate assistance upon landing.
The returnees expressed gratitude for the financial support and warm reception.
They described the intervention as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians overseas.
