The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully evacuated 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,821 since the exercise began on June 10, 2026. The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on September 24, 2026, aboard a South African Airways flight. They were received by officials from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 100 of the returnees were evacuated with funds from the $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) towards the purchase of one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians in South Africa. The remaining five returnees were evacuated through a donation by a private Nigerian citizen. The Ministry expressed appreciation to RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its generous donation.
The evacuation exercise is part of the Federal Government's efforts to address the persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. The government has been working to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Nigerians resident in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nigeria's diplomatic mission is continuing engagements with the leadership of RCCG in South Africa, as well as other philanthropic organizations and individuals, to facilitate the return of more distressed Nigerians.
The latest evacuation brings to 13 the number of consular evacuations from South Africa since the exercise began. The Federal Government fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians, while the RCCG and other donors supported the evacuation of the remaining 433. The government urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and law-abiding and maintain contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg whenever they require consular assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, signed the statement confirming the evacuation. The returnees were processed through preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities. Some Nigerians are still undergoing the clearance process and are expected to be evacuated once it is concluded.
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. The government is pursuing diplomatic engagements and other measures with South African authorities to address the issue. The RCCG's donation has been instrumental in facilitating the evacuation of distressed Nigerians, and the government has acknowledged the support of other groups and individuals.
The evacuation exercise demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safe return of Nigerians who require assistance. The government has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Key points
- The RCCG donated $265,854 to fund the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians in South Africa.
- A total of 1,821 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since June 10, 2026.
- The Federal Government fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians, while the RCCG and other donors supported the evacuation of the remaining 433.
