Nigeria Receives Fresh Batch Of 269 Citizens From South Africa Amid Escalating Xenophobic Protests
30th June, 2026 | News
The Nigerian government has received another batch of 269 citizens evacuated from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme amid rising anti-immigration tensions in the country.
The returnees arrived aboard an Air Peace flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where they were received by the Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ali-Gombe conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message to the returnees, assuring them of the government’s continued commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
The ministry said the latest evacuation marks the second flight under the voluntary repatriation exercise, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 335.
It added that the Federal Government would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to safeguard Nigerians who remain in the country while facilitating the return of those who wish to come home.
The ministry also disclosed that the evacuation programme remains ongoing, with additional flights expected in the coming days to airlift Nigerians who have completed the necessary screening and clearance processes.
The latest evacuation follows renewed anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa after a June 30 deadline announced by anti-immigration groups, which heightened concerns among foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Earlier, the Nigerian government announced that at least 271 Nigerians were scheduled to return under the second phase of the voluntary evacuation programme. Government officials have previously confirmed that more than 1,000 Nigerians registered to be repatriated.
The repatriation exercise began earlier this month when the first batch of 262 Nigerians returned to Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight.
Nigerians have repeatedly been among the foreign nationals affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa, alongside migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia, Somalia and other African countries. Over the years, several attacks have resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of businesses and the displacement of thousands of migrants.
Human rights groups have consistently called on South African authorities to strengthen protection for foreign nationals and prevent xenophobic violence, while many Nigerians living in the country continue to seek government assistance to return home amid ongoing security concerns.