Federal Government Set To Receive 268 Nigerians Repatriated From South Africa Today

The Federal Government is set to receive 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks in the country, with the returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday.

According to Ireporter Online, the evacuees will land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace special evacuation flight scheduled for about 5:00 a.m.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is expected to formally receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the first batch back home and hand them over upon arrival.

This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Wednesday.

The statement further disclosed that the ongoing registration and screening of Nigerians in South Africa who wish to voluntarily return home due to the xenophobic violence has been extended to Sunday, June 14, 2026, to allow more affected citizens to participate.

It added that the extension underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, noting that relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have made adequate arrangements for reception, documentation, and support for the returnees upon arrival in Lagos.