Another batch of 83 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa amid continued xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner violence has arrived in Lagos.

The returnees, comprising 58 adults and 25 children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard South African Airways flight SA060. They are currently undergoing biometric clearance under the supervision of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The latest exercise marks the first time the Nigerian government’s voluntary repatriation programme from South Africa has been carried out through a commercial flight, following seven previous batches transported to Nigeria on chartered aircraft.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had on Wednesday announced that the 83 Nigerians would be evacuated from South Africa on August 19, 2026.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the latest repatriation was made possible through the intervention of public-spirited private individuals and business associates who jointly sponsored the returnees’ air tickets.

She said the returnees departed Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and were expected to arrive at the Lagos airport at approximately 8:45 p.m.

According to the minister, the same group of individuals has also committed to sponsoring the evacuation of another batch of Nigerians who no longer feel safe in South Africa and have expressed their desire to return home.

The latest returnees bring to 1,573 the number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa under the government’s voluntary repatriation programme, following the previous evacuation of 1,490 Nigerians.

The programme was launched amid concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa, during which some Nigerians were reportedly killed while others lost their properties.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Citizen Diplomacy agenda.

She also urged state governments to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by supporting citizens at risk abroad and assisting with evacuation, relocation and resettlement.

The minister said the latest batch comprises Nigerians from Anambra, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Enugu, Ogun, Abia, Osun, Delta, Kwara and Ekiti states.

She commended the Imo State Government for commencing the disbursement of N1 million each to returning indigenes.

She also acknowledged the Abia State Government’s approval of N1 million each for 31 verified returnees of Abia extraction, as well as the Enugu State Government’s commitment to assisting in the evacuation of stranded indigenes.

The minister called on other state governments to emulate the measures and provide support for their stranded citizens and returnees.

She further thanked Nigerians and groups within and outside the country for assisting citizens facing consular emergencies abroad.

“To our returning nationals, we say, ‘Welcome Home,’” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.