The first group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa in response to renewed xenophobic violence has safely returned to the country, marking the beginning of a large-scale government-assisted repatriation programme.
A total of 268 returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, aboard an Air Peace aircraft chartered by the Federal Government to bring distressed citizens back home.
The arrival followed days of logistical preparations and documentation exercises coordinated by Nigerian authorities in South Africa.
The flight, initially expected to depart earlier in the week, eventually left Johannesburg after officials completed the necessary clearance processes for the passengers.
The evacuation comes against the backdrop of growing insecurity faced by foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where recent attacks targeting immigrants have heightened fears among affected communities.
Many Nigerians living in the country have reportedly sought assistance from the Nigerian government to facilitate their voluntary return.
Government officials disclosed that the number of Nigerians seeking evacuation has continued to rise, with more than 1,000 citizens already indicating interest in returning home. Additional flights are expected to be arranged in phases to accommodate those still awaiting transportation.
Speaking on the development earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Federal Government had intensified diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of Nigerians affected by the unrest.
According to her, special arrangements were made for citizens facing immigration-related complications, allowing them to participate in the evacuation programme without the risk of detention or other legal obstacles.
To streamline the process, officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria launched an extensive registration and verification exercise for intending returnees. The programme was later extended beyond its original deadline due to the increasing number of applications from Nigerians seeking assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision to prolong the registration exercise demonstrated the government’s determination to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerians regardless of where they reside.
The ministry emphasised that protecting Nigerian citizens abroad remains a key component of the country’s foreign policy objectives and a fundamental responsibility of government institutions.
Officials said the successful arrival of the first batch signals the commencement of a broader humanitarian operation designed to assist vulnerable Nigerians affected by the crisis and provide them with a safe pathway back to the country.
As authorities continue to process additional applications, expectations are high that more evacuees will arrive in the coming days under the ongoing repatriation initiative.
