The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Sunday.
The returnees were received by officials of the ministry, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant federal government agencies.
According to the ministry, the latest evacuation was fully funded by the $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The ministry said the latest arrival brought the number of consular evacuations 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 expenses fully covered by the Federal Government.
The ministry added that 318 Nigerians had benefited from the RCCG-funded initiative, leaving 182 people to be evacuated under the church’s commitment.
It expressed appreciation to the church, led by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing financial support to facilitate the return of distressed Nigerians.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect the welfare and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
It also advised them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary.
The government reiterated its commitment to providing timely support to Nigerians abroad and safeguarding their welfare and well-being.
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