Third batch of distressed Nigerians arrived home through evacuation from South Africa

Photo credit: TVC News

The third batch of 271 Nigerian citizens voluntarily evacuated from South Africa successfully arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 30, 2026. This flight was part of the Nigerian government's emergency repatriation program following a wave of violent anti-immigration protests and tensions in South Africa.

Evacuation & Repatriation Breakdown:

Arrival Date: June 30, 2026

Returnees: 271 Nigerians

Departure Point: O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

Arrival Point: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

Airline: Air Peace (coordinated by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The repatriations were sparked by heightened xenophobic tensions and an anti-immigration deadline demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa.

Over 1,000 Nigerians registered for the voluntary return program. Previous batches brought around 324 returnees to Lagos.

According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, many of the evacuees were classified as undocumented. Consequently, many returnees have been declared undesirable and prohibited from re-entering South Africa for five years.

By Olagunju, Success Taiwo