ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.
The returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, October 11.
The latest group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal agencies received them on arrival.
The ministry said the evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which donated $265,854 to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
RCCG funds evacuation of 318 Nigerians
With the arrival of the latest batch, the RCCG has funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians under its commitment to support the evacuation of 500 citizens, leaving another 182 tickets to be funded.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support.
According to the ministry, the latest operation brings the number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government, the statement said.
Nigeria pledges action on xenophobia concerns
The Federal Government said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely consular assistance to Nigerians abroad and safeguarding their well-being.
It also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
The ministry urged citizens who require assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
The statement was signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The latest evacuation comes as the Nigerian government continues its repatriation efforts amid concerns about the safety and treatment of its citizens in South Africa.
