The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa of continued protection and sustained diplomatic engagement aimed at safeguarding their rights and welfare.
The assurance was given in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The update followed the arrival of a second batch of Nigerian evacuees from Johannesburg amid ongoing voluntary repatriation efforts.
According to the ministry, an Air Peace evacuation flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday, carrying 269 Nigerian returnees.
The exercise is part of an ongoing coordinated evacuation programme involving Nigerian diplomatic missions and aviation partners.
The latest arrival brings the total number of Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa to 335 persons.
This follows an earlier evacuation on June 24, 2026, when 66 Nigerians were returned via South African Airways, with assistance from a private facilitator.
Authorities said the operations are being carried out in phases to ensure orderly and safe repatriation.
Ebienfa stated that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians overseas and ensuring that their rights are respected.
He said high-level diplomatic engagements are ongoing with South African authorities to address concerns affecting Nigerian nationals.
He also noted that the repatriation exercise coincides with South Africa’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to regularise their status or leave the country.
The 269 returnees were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.
They were received in Lagos by a federal delegation led by Amb. Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department.
Ali-Gombe conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of support and reassured the returnees of government’s continued assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as more Nigerians are screened and cleared for voluntary return.
Officials said the exercise will continue in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure smooth repatriation.
