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The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
The latest evacuation was funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), through its $265,854 donation to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The returnees 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 federal agencies.
In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the latest arrival marked the 15th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government, while 318 have benefited from one-way tickets funded by the RCCG. The church’s donation is expected to cover another 182 Nigerians to complete its commitment to sponsor 500 returnees.
The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for supporting the evacuation of distressed citizens.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and safeguard the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry urged Nigerians remaining in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety. It advised 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 heightened anti-migrant tensions in South Africa, where recent anti-immigrant protests and violence have raised fresh concerns about the safety of foreign nationals. Reuters reported that violence in Johannesburg and Durban included the burning of vehicles and looting of foreign-owned shops.
The Federal Government said it would continue providing consular assistance to Nigerians abroad and working with relevant authorities to protect their welfare.
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