By Joyce Ekeh
The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from the country since June 2026 to 2,037.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The latest batch comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. They were 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 government agencies.
The evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), following the church’s $265,854 donation to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
According to the ministry, the latest exercise brings the number of consular evacuations conducted since the ongoing operation began on June 10, 2026, to 15.
Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government, while the RCCG has funded one-way tickets for 318 returnees.
The ministry said 182 more Nigerians were expected to benefit from the church’s commitment to finance the evacuation of 500 citizens.
“With the successful evacuation of this RCCG-funded batch, a total of 318 Nigerian nationals have had their one-way tickets funded by the Church. Therefore, 182 more nationals are expected to be repatriated under RCCG’s commitment to fund 500 one-way tickets,” the statement said.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.
FG engages South African authorities
The ministry said the government remained committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia while promoting the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
It also advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety amid the concerns.
The ministry urged citizens requiring assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular support.
It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing timely assistance to Nigerians in the diaspora and protecting their welfare.
