65 Nigerians Return From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Concerns – Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Sixty-five Nigerians stranded in South Africa are expected to return home on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country persist amid reports of xenophobic incidents and protests targeting foreign nationals.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement posted on X, saying the latest evacuation was being carried out under a privately sponsored voluntary repatriation programme by the Nigeria Private Group of Business Friends.

According to the Minister, the returning group comprises 30 adults, 34 children and one infant, accompanied by an escorting mission official.

She said the returnees are Nigerian nationals from Lagos, Enugu, Kogi, Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Anambra, Osun, Benue, Abia and Kwara states.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the returnees are scheduled to depart Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:30 p.m. South African time and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 8:45 p.m. the same day.

The latest evacuation comes barely a week after 83 Nigerians were brought back from South Africa under the same privately sponsored arrangement.

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The Minister said the Nigerian Private Group of Business Friends was facilitating the latest exercise as concerns continued over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

She linked the concerns to reports of continuing xenophobic incidents and protests by groups calling for the deportation of foreign nationals.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commends this group of individuals for complementing the Government’s efforts and for their proactive humanitarian interventions,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

She also appealed to state governments to support the Federal Government’s repatriation efforts by assisting returnees from their respective states.

According to her, many of the returnees left South Africa after abandoning livelihoods and properties, making government support crucial to their relocation and resettlement.

“We continue to appeal to state governments to complement Federal Government’s repatriation efforts by coming to the aid of their returnees,” she said.

The Minister urged the states to help alleviate the trauma experienced by Nigerians returning from South Africa and support them as they rebuild their lives.

To the returning Nigerians, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “Welcome Home.”