The second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Wednesday night, June 24, 2026. The 66 returnees touched down at about 8:50 pm and were received by a Federal government delegation.
Reasons for evacuation
The Nigerians opted to leave South Africa over recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests that have targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in the country. The evacuation is part of a coordinated effort by the Nigerian government to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
Reception and documentation
Security agencies at the airport were present to receive and document the returnees. These included officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), among others.
First batch details
On June 11, 2026, the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived in the country aboard a chartered Air Peace flight. That initial group was also received by government officials and processed through similar procedures. The total number of Nigerians evacuated so far stands at 324.
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad and has urged citizens to remain calm while diplomatic efforts continue to address the root causes of xenophobia in South Africa.
