The Federal Government has successfully evacuated another 269 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for undocumented nationals, bringing the total number of returnees so far to 335.
The second evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:48 a.m.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, noting that the latest batch of returnees follows the arrival of 66 Nigerians who were flown back on June 24 aboard a South African Airways flight facilitated by a well-meaning Nigerian.
The 269 evacuees, who were escorted from Johannesburg by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, were officially 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, mni.
During the reception, Ambassador Ali-Gombe conveyed the goodwill and assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the returning citizens, reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerians living abroad.
The Ministry stated that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing ahead of South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. It added that more 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 reaffirmed its commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities to safeguard the rights and interests of Nigerian nationals residing in the country while ensuring a smooth and orderly evacuation process.
