The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of Nigerians from South Africa, bringing home 66 returnees as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens abroad.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation exercise was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they reside.

This latest group follows the first batch of 262 returnees who arrived in Nigeria on June 11, 2026, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.

The second evacuation was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname. The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.

On arrival, the returnees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the evacuation and to Otunba Soname for supporting the humanitarian effort.

They were received by the Nigerian Ambassador and Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, as well as the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and members of her team.

Speaking on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman, Mr. Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad through the evacuation initiative.

He added that challenges encountered during the first phase of the operation are being addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has assured that all registered Nigerians willing to return home will be evacuated.

The returnees also received various forms of support to aid their reintegration. Those from Imo State were reportedly given ₦1 million each through the intervention of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

MTN Nigeria provided free SIM cards with data packages worth ₦50,000 and credited ₦100,000 to each returnee’s bank account. In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.

Several government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies, were on hand to receive, document, and assist the returnees.

The evacuees described the support and reception as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

NiDCOM reiterated that no Nigerian willing to return home would be left behind, stressing that it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless evacuation and reintegration of returnees.