The Federal Government on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, received a second batch of Nigerian returnees from South Africa as part of its ongoing special repatriation flights coordinated to bring citizens back home.
The Air Peace flight, which landed at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:45 a.m., conveyed 269 returnees.
With this latest arrival, the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the government-sponsored flight arrangement from South Africa has risen to 527, following an earlier batch of 258 returnees.
In addition, 66 Nigerians had earlier returned through a separate ValuJet-supported arrangement operated via South African Airways, bringing the overall number of returnees received to 593.
The reception exercise was coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), working alongside key agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other partners.
Upon arrival, the returnees were processed and profiled by NCFRMI officials to assess their immediate needs, vulnerabilities, and reintegration requirements.
The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring dignified reception and sustainable reintegration support for all returnees.
As part of the support package, MTN, through facilitation by NiDCOM, provided assistance to the returnees during the reception process.
The Federal Government also acknowledged the support of state governments, including Imo State and Edo State, whose officials were present to receive indigenes and assist with onward movement to their destinations.
Authorities said the collaboration among agencies and stakeholders reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to coordinated migration management and reintegration support.
