BREAKING NEWS ON EVACUATION

Second Batch of Stranded Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrives in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – June 25, 2026

Another batch of Nigerian returnees from South Africa touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 8:50 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The evacuation exercise was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR [@officialABAT], as part of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad. The first batch of 258 returnees had arrived on Thursday, June 11, 2026, via a chartered Air Peace flight.

The second batch of **66 returnees** was facilitated by the Chairman/CEO of Value Jet, Otunba Kunle Soname [@flyvaluejet]. The returnees were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.

Upon arrival, the returnees expressed profound gratitude to:

– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his swift approval and decisive intervention.
– Otunba Kunle Soname for his consistent humanitarian support.
– The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi.
– Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa [@abikedabiri], Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
– The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other relevant government agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Mr. Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for his citizen-centred leadership in ensuring the safe return of the returnees. He noted that logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation are being proactively addressed by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has given assurances that **all registered Nigerians** will be evacuated.

**SUPPORT AND REINTEGRATION**

NIDCOM announced the following welcome packages for the returnees:

– **Imo State indigenes** received ₦1,000,000 each, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma [@hope_uzodimma1].
– **MTN Nigeria** provided free SIM packs with data worth ₦50,000, plus ₦100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account.
– **Pastor Bolaji Idowu** [@pastorbolaji] of Harvesters International Christian Centre [@HarvestersINT_] donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.

Government agencies including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, NIS, FAAN, and security operatives were on ground to document, receive, and provide necessary immediate assistance to the returnees.

The returnees expressed deep appreciation for the donations, warm reception, and comprehensive support, describing the gesture as a clear testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.