The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated since the exercise began to 2,037.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, aboard South African Airways flight SA060.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, noting that officials from relevant Federal Government agencies received the returnees upon arrival.
The agencies included the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
More Read
RCCG Funds Latest Evacuation
According to the ministry, the latest evacuation was fully funded through a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The government said the arrival marked the 15th consular evacuation since the exercise commenced on June 10, 2026.
Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation expenses fully covered by the Federal Government.
More Read
The RCCG-supported initiative has so far provided one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians, leaving another 182 people to be repatriated under the church’s commitment.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for the financial assistance, describing the support as an important contribution to helping distressed Nigerians return home safely.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Nigerians Abroad
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and strengthen the protection of Nigerians living in the country.
It also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, comply with local laws and prioritize their personal safety amid concerns over attacks against foreign nationals.
The ministry advised Nigerians requiring consular assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
More Read
The government added that it would continue working with relevant authorities to safeguard the welfare, security and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
The latest evacuation highlights ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and supporting organizations to assist Nigerians facing distressing circumstances outside the country.
