The Federal Government has repatriated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated from the country since June 2026 to 2,037, amid continuing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, saying the latest group arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, aboard South African Airways flight SA060.
The returnees comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from 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 received them on arrival.
The ministry said the latest evacuation was funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which committed $265,854 to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
With the latest exercise, the number of consular evacuation operations from South Africa has risen to 15 since the programme began on June 10, 2026.
According to the ministry, the Federal Government has paid the repatriation costs for 1,388 of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far. Meanwhile, 318 returnees have benefited from one-way tickets financed by the RCCG, leaving 182 tickets under the church’s commitment.
The government expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing financial assistance to Nigerians seeking to return home.
The evacuations come amid concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa following reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic hostility towards foreign nationals and other Africans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Federal Government would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address these concerns and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country.
It also urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
The ministry advised Nigerians to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever they require assistance.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Nigerians abroad and taking steps to safeguard their welfare and well-being.
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