Following xenophobic attacks in South Africa, 282 Nigerian returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 9th of July, 2027, aboard Air Peace Airlines. They were accompanied by two officials of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa.

This evacuation, which is funded by the Federal Government, is a continuous implementation of the earlier directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that willing Nigerians are safely returned to the country.

The returnees expressed their gratitude to President Tinubu for approving their immediate evacuation. They were welcomed by the Nigerian Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, whose staff were on hand to receive them and announced some financial support for them.

The returnees from Imo State, courtesy of Gov. Hope Uzodinma, received one million naira each

MTN donated free SIM packs (with data) worth 50,000 naira, and N100,000 to be paid into the bank account of all the returnees.

Officials from Edo and Delta States announced incentives from their respective state governments for the returnees.

JAAL Foundation also promised empowerment support for 50 female returnees.

Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinwe, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, provided free accommodation to approximately 52 Nigerian returnees, and he has promised the families skills acquisition and free education for their children up to university level. Also, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church gave 100k each to 66 returnees.

Cruxstone (a real estate firm) gave cash to the first set of returnees.

Government agencies, including NEMA, Refugee Commission, Immigration, FAAN and security agencies were on hand to document and receive them.

The returnees were full of gratitude for the donations, support and warm welcome received.