The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated from the country to 2,037. In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Sunday, the ministry…...
The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated from the country to 2,037.
In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Sunday, the ministry said the returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children and was received by officials of 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 government agencies.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation was funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
According to the statement, “The evacuation of this latest batch was fully funded from the Two Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Four US Dollars ($265,854.00) donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.”
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The ministry said the latest arrival brought the number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
It added that 1,388 of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government.
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With the latest evacuation, the RCCG has funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians, leaving another 182 to be repatriated under the church’s commitment.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support.
“The Federal Government, once again, expresses its profound appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its generous financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa,” the statement said.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect Nigerians living in the country.
“The Federal Government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including authorities of South Africa, to address Xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country, and promote the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians residing there,” the ministry stated.
It advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety, while maintaining contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance.
“The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being,” the statement added.