Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Fears

The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerian nationals from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated since June to 2,037.

The returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060, according to a statement signed on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.

The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received them on arrival.

Adeniyi disclosed that the latest evacuation received funding from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which donated $265,854 to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The latest arrival brings the number of consular evacuation operations conducted by the government since June 10, 2026, to 15. Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, the Federal Government fully funded the repatriation of 1,388.

The RCCG has so far funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians under its pledge to support the evacuation of 500 citizens. Another 182 Nigerians are expected to benefit from the church’s commitment.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for the financial assistance.

“The Federal Government, once again, expresses its profound appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its generous financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa,” Adeniyi stated.

He added that the government would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to tackle xenophobia and Afrophobia while protecting Nigerians living in the country.

“The Federal Government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including authorities of South Africa, to address Xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country, and promote the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians residing there,” the statement read.

The ministry urged Nigerians living in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety. It also advised them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever they need consular assistance.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely support to Nigerians abroad and safeguarding their welfare.