The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid growing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country.
The returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways flight SA060, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children.
The ministry confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who disclosed that relevant government agencies received the returnees upon their arrival.
Among the agencies represented were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
RCCG Donates $265,854 to Support Evacuation
The Federal Government disclosed that the latest evacuation was funded through a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The church had committed to funding one-way air tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa.
According to the ministry, 318 Nigerians had benefited from the arrangement before the latest evacuation, with the newly returned citizens included in the ongoing exercise.
The government said another 182 Nigerians are expected to benefit from the church-funded initiative as efforts continue to facilitate the safe return of citizens facing difficulties in South Africa.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing financial assistance towards the evacuation programme.
Total Evacuees Rise to 2,037
The latest operation brings the number of consular evacuation exercises conducted from South Africa to 15 since the ongoing operation commenced on June 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that a total of 2,037 Nigerians had been evacuated from the country through the exercises.
Of that number, the Federal Government fully covered the repatriation expenses of 1,388 returnees.
The evacuation programme is part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians experiencing difficulties in South Africa amid concerns over attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Nigerians Abroad
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia.
The ministry said diplomatic engagement would continue to focus on improving the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa and protecting their dignity.
It also reaffirmed its determination to pursue diplomatic measures aimed at safeguarding Nigerians in the diaspora.
The government’s latest evacuation effort comes as it continues to support citizens seeking to leave South Africa due to safety concerns and other difficulties.
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