Second batch of Nigerian returnees from South Africa to arrive June 15

The second batch of Nigerian returnees from South Africa will arrive the country on Monday, 15th June, 2026.

The Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, disclosed this while addressing officials and stakeholders who received 262 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa on Thursday, following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.

Ajayi said the journey had been very long and that the returnees were Nigerians who had decided to come back home to escape the violence taking place in South Africa.

The ambassador said the Federal Government was able to liaise with Air Peace, which made available five different flights to transport Nigerians from South Africa back home.

“This is the first batch that will be coming in, and as I mentioned, there are a total of 258 returnees. So, the next batch will be coming in on Monday, June 15.

“The third batch will arrive on June 18. The fourth batch will return on June 22, while the fifth and final batch will arrive on June 24.”

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Also addressing the media shortly after receiving the evacuees, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, commended Air Peace for once again answering the nation’s call at a critical moment.

He noted that the evacuation exercise reflected the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the protection and welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.

The minister emphasised that the Federal Government’s swift response underscored its citizen-centred foreign policy and determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned in times of crisis.

Also speaking, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the evacuation, describing the exercise as another demonstration of a government that prioritises the safety and dignity of its citizens abroad.

She applauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, and Air Peace, while reassuring Nigerians in the diaspora that their welfare remains a matter of national concern.

Speaking on behalf of Air Peace, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala, described the circumstances that necessitated the evacuation as unfortunate and deeply concerning.

He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to humanitarian service, noting that the operation aligns with the patriotic vision of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CON, whose philosophy has consistently placed national interest, compassion, and service above commercial considerations.

Mr Ngala stated that Air Peace remains ready to support the Federal Government in safeguarding Nigerians wherever they may be and disclosed that discussions were ongoing regarding additional evacuation flights should the need arise.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their prompt intervention and coordination of the rescue effort, which ensured the safe return of the affected citizens.