Second evacuation batch brings total returnees to 324. Imo governor gives N1m each to indigenes, Pastor Bolaji Idowu donates N100k per person, MTN provides N50k airtime and N100k for all.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission on Wednesday night received another batch of 66 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa, days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the immediate evacuation of stranded citizens following xenophobic attacks.
The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a ValueJet aircraft provided by the airline’s Chairman/CEO, Otunba Kunle Soname. Officials of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa accompanied them.
With this arrival, the total number of evacuees rises to 324. The first batch of 258 returnees was received on June 11, 2026, according to NiDCOM’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
GRATITUDE AND OFFICIAL RESPONSE
The returnees thanked President Tinubu for approving the evacuation, Otunba Soname for providing the aircraft, and Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi. They also appreciated NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose staff were on ground and announced financial support.
Receiving the group alongside other government officials, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, who represented Dabiri-Erewa, commended President Tinubu for ensuring their safe return. He said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, was resolving logistical issues that followed the first evacuation and had assured that all registered Nigerians would be brought home.
SUPPORT FROM STATE AND PRIVATE SECTOR
Imo State indigenes among the returnees received N1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodimma. MTN donated free SIM packs with data worth N50,000 and N100,000 cash to be paid into the bank accounts of all returnees. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church also donated N100,000 to each returnee.
NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, the Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN, and security agencies were present for documentation and welfare support.
The returnees expressed appreciation for the donations and the warm reception accorded them on returning home.
