Eighty-three Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday night, marking the latest repatriation amid renewed concerns over xenophobic s and hostility towards African migrants. The returnees landed aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg, accompanied by two officials from the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa revealed that the repatriation was made possible through generous financial support from private individuals who provided funds for flight tickets. Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department, received the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government before handing them over to relevant agencies for documentation and profiling ahead of family reunification.
Meanwhile, security concerns continue to mount in Borno State as Senator Mohammed Ndume urged the military to intensify rescue efforts for abducted schoolchildren and residents. During a visit to Operation Hadin Kai headquarters in Maiduguri, Ndume highlighted victims from Mussa, Lassa, and Ngoshe communities, some held captive for over 100 days. Theatre Commander Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam assured commitment to ongoing operations.
The ministry reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and facilitating safe returns during emergencies. Collaboration among diplomatic missions, private sponsors, and government agencies remains essential in supporting citizens affected by crises both domestically and internationally.
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