Third batch of returnees arrives in Lagos amid rising anti-immigration tensions in South Africa; over 590 Nigerians repatriated as government expands rescue operation.
By Anita Babalola
Lagos, Nigeria | June 30, 2026
Another Batch of Evacuated Nigerians Returns Home
Another group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has safely arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government continues its voluntary repatriation programme for citizens opting to return amid growing anti-immigration tensions in the southern African nation.
The latest batch of approximately 271 returnees arrived aboard an Air Peace flight that landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, after departing Johannesburg at about 5:00 a.m. local time.
The evacuation marks another phase of Nigeria’s emergency response to concerns over the safety and welfare of its nationals following renewed calls by some groups in South Africa for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
Government Agencies Coordinate Reception
Officials from several Federal Government agencies were present at the airport to receive the returnees.
They included representatives of:
- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
- The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
- The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)
The agencies are expected to oversee documentation, profiling, humanitarian assistance and reintegration support for the evacuees.
Government officials said the exercise is being coordinated to ensure an orderly and dignified return for Nigerians who voluntarily registered for repatriation.
Evacuation Triggered by Rising Anti-Immigration Tensions
The latest evacuation comes amid heightened anti-immigration campaigns in parts of South Africa.
In recent weeks, some vigilante groups and civil society organisations have intensified demands for undocumented migrants to leave the country, setting June 30 as a symbolic deadline for compliance.
Although South African authorities have repeatedly affirmed that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, the activities of certain groups have heightened fears among migrant communities, including Nigerians.
Security analysts note that while the demonstrations have largely targeted undocumented migrants generally, many foreign nationals have opted to leave voluntarily because of uncertainty and concerns over their personal safety.
Tinubu Approved Voluntary Repatriation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier approved the voluntary evacuation initiative after receiving reports on the growing concerns facing Nigerians living in South Africa.
The programme was designed to assist citizens who voluntarily indicated their willingness to return home.
According to the Federal Government, the exercise is entirely voluntary and is intended to provide safe transportation and humanitarian support to affected Nigerians.
More Than 590 Nigerians Repatriated
The arrival of the latest batch significantly increases the number of Nigerians evacuated since the programme began.
Before Tuesday’s operation:
- 262 Nigerians returned on June 11.
- 66 Nigerians arrived on June 25.
With the arrival of approximately 271 additional evacuees, the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the current exercise has risen to about 599.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that five Air Peace evacuation flights had been approved after more than 500 Nigerians successfully completed screening for voluntary repatriation.
Officials indicated that additional flights could be arranged if necessary to accommodate all registered Nigerians wishing to return.
Air Peace Continues Strategic Humanitarian Role
Nigeria’s indigenous carrier, Air Peace, has continued to play a central role in the evacuation exercise.
The airline has previously participated in several humanitarian evacuation operations involving Nigerians affected by crises in different parts of the world.
Its involvement in the South African operation reflects the Federal Government’s reliance on domestic aviation capacity during emergency consular interventions.
Situation in South Africa Remains Tense
Reports from South Africa indicate that security agencies maintained a heavy presence across parts of Johannesburg on Tuesday as demonstrations linked to anti-immigration campaigns continued.
Several businesses reportedly remained closed in parts of the city, while police monitored public gatherings to prevent violence.
In Durban, small groups of demonstrators dressed in traditional Zulu attire reportedly assembled peacefully while chanting slogans demanding the departure of undocumented migrants.
Political observers say the protests have largely been organised by smaller political movements and community-based vigilante organisations, although analysts continue to monitor whether the demonstrations could expand or trigger broader security concerns.
Migration, Diplomacy and Regional Relations
The evacuation once again highlights the recurring challenges affecting migration and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Over the years, both countries have experienced periodic diplomatic tensions arising from attacks on foreign nationals, migration disputes and concerns over the safety of citizens living abroad.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria and South Africa remain Africa’s two largest economies and maintain extensive diplomatic, commercial and educational ties.
Analysts believe continued diplomatic engagement will remain essential to protecting citizens while strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration management.
Reintegration Challenges Ahead
While the evacuation provides immediate relief for returning Nigerians, experts caution that successful reintegration remains an equally important challenge.
Many returnees may require:
- Temporary accommodation.
- Employment support.
- Skills development programmes.
- Business grants.
- Psychological counselling.
- Access to social welfare services.
Migration specialists argue that sustainable reintegration policies will help reduce the economic vulnerabilities that often drive irregular migration in the first place.
The arrival of another 271 Nigerians from South Africa underscores the Federal Government’s continued commitment to protecting its citizens during periods of international uncertainty.
As the voluntary evacuation programme progresses, attention is increasingly shifting from emergency transportation to long-term reintegration and economic support for returnees.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian response, the situation also serves as a reminder of the broader need for stronger migration governance, regional cooperation and sustained diplomatic engagement to safeguard Nigerians living abroad while addressing the root causes of irregular migration.
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