FG Evacuates 111 More Nigerians From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Concerns

The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the reported number of citizens returned under the ongoing consular evacuation exercise to 2,037.

The latest batch, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11.

The returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant federal agencies.

The ministry said the latest evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God through its $265,854 donation to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

According to the statement, 318 Nigerians have so far bkenefited from the church-funded arrangement, leaving 182 one-way tickets under its commitment.

The government also disclosed that the latest arrival brought the number of consular evacuations conducted since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, to 15.

Of the 2,037 Nigerians reportedly evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government.

The ministry expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for supporting the evacuation programme.

It also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect the welfare and safety of Nigerians living in the country.

The ministry advised Nigerians still residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.

• It further urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance when necessary.

The latest evacuation comes amid continuing concerns over anti-foreigner hostility and violence in South Africa, which have strained relations between the country and other African nations.

The Nigerian government has continued to pursue diplomatic engagement alongside efforts to assist citizens seeking to return home.