The Federal Government has arranged the return of another 83 Nigerians from South Africa amid continuing concerns over xenophobic attacks and growing anti-foreigner sentiment targeting migrants in the country.
The latest group is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following a flight from Johannesburg operated by South African Airways, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The flight is scheduled to leave O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. South African time and is expected to land in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Unlike the earlier government-funded evacuation programme, the latest return was facilitated through the intervention of public-spirited private individuals who sponsored the returnees’ air tickets, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The government expressed appreciation for the private support, describing it as an example of collaboration between government and citizens in responding to consular emergencies.
The development comes weeks after Nigeria completed a major voluntary repatriation programme that brought 1,490 Nigerians home from South Africa between June and July following a series of xenophobic attacks and related security concerns. The exercise involved seven evacuation flights operated by Air Peace and South African Airways.
The renewed evacuation underscores the seriousness of Nigeria’s concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa. In July, Nigerian officials called on Pretoria to take stronger measures to prevent attacks on foreign nationals, warning that repeated violence was placing additional strain on relations between the two countries. Reuters reported that Nigeria had raised concerns over attacks affecting both undocumented migrants and Nigerians legally resident in South Africa.
Despite the tensions, Abuja and Pretoria have continued diplomatic engagement aimed at easing the situation. South Africa has maintained that it rejects xenophobia, racism and discrimination, while pledging stronger measures to protect foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible for attacks.
The Federal Government said the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain central to its Citizens’ Diplomacy policy. It also reaffirmed its intention to work with countries hosting Nigerian nationals to address the causes of xenophobia, strengthen protection mechanisms and prevent further violence.
The government is also encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to remain law-abiding, maintain contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions and seek consular assistance whenever necessary.
The arrival of the latest 83 returnees is expected to further highlight the continuing security concerns confronting Nigerian nationals in South Africa, even after the completion of the government’s broader evacuation programme last month.
