By Elizabeth Ugbo

NIS, NEMA Receive 258 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday received 258 Nigerian returnees evacuated from South Africa under its voluntary repatriation programme. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on June 11, 2026, aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg. Government agencies, led by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), coordinated the reception to ensure safe documentation, medical screening, and reintegration of the evacuees.

Returnees Arrive Safely in Lagos

The returnees landed at the airport’s Cargo Terminal at about 10:35 a.m. after departing from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

The evacuation forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians facing difficulties abroad through voluntary repatriation.

Government Agencies Coordinate Reception

NEMA and the Nigeria Immigration Service led the reception exercise alongside the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

Officials profiled the returnees, documented their details, and conducted medical screenings immediately after arrival. These measures aimed to support their safe return and smooth reintegration into their communities.

Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Returnees

Several senior government officials attended the reception and briefing.

They included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Usman Bature.

Representatives from participating agencies also attended the exercise.

Transportation and Reintegration Support

After completing documentation, NIS and NEMA arranged transportation for the returnees to their respective states.

Meanwhile, security agencies escorted the buses to ensure a safe journey from the airport.

The Federal Government said the support reflects its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians returning from difficult situations overseas.

More Evacuation Flights Expected

Authorities confirmed that additional batches of Nigerian returnees will arrive in the coming days as the evacuation programme continues.

The agencies also reaffirmed their commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to provide returning citizens with the assistance needed for successful reintegration.