A group of 105 Nigerians, including 83 adults and 22 students, has been repatriated from South Africa to Nigeria. The returnees arrived in Lagos on a South African Airways flight on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at approximately 20:30 hours. State officials received them upon arrival. The repatriation was made possible through donations from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and a private Nigerian citizen.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the RCCG donated over $265,854 to purchase one-way tickets for the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa. The church's donation funded the return of 100 of the 105 Nigerians, while a private citizen covered the cost of the remaining five. The ministry stated that Nigeria's diplomatic mission continues to engage with the RCCG and other philanthropic groups to facilitate the evacuation of more distressed Nigerians.
The recent wave of xenophobia in South Africa has resulted in the evacuation of around 1,640 Nigerians since April. This latest repatriation brings the total number of evacuees to 1,640. A batch of 33 Nigerians was repatriated last month, and efforts are ongoing to evacuate more Nigerians who are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities.
The xenophobic attacks in South Africa have also resulted in the loss of several Nigerian lives. At least five Nigerians have been killed since the violence began in April. The victims include Chika Simon, Amaramiro Emmanuel, Ekpenyong Andrew, Emeka Iroegbu, and Musa Joe. The Nigerian consulate reported that Chika Simon died under questionable circumstances during an encounter with the South African Police Service.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Nigerian victims are still unfolding. Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were allegedly murdered by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth in April. Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe were killed on 28 June under different circumstances. The investigations into these cases are still pending, and no arrests have been made.
The Nigerian government has been actively engaged in responding to the incidents. Following the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, the government summoned the South African High Commissioner to demand a thorough investigation. The government continues to engage with the leadership of the RCCG in South Africa and other philanthropic groups to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.
The repatriation of the 105 Nigerians is a temporary reprieve for the affected individuals and their families. However, the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa remain a concern for the Nigerian government and the international community. Efforts to address the root causes of the violence and provide support to affected individuals are essential to mitigating the crisis.
Key points
- Around 1,640 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since the recent wave of xenophobia began in April.
- At least five Nigerians have been killed since the violence began, with investigations into the cases still pending.
- The Nigerian government continues to engage with philanthropic groups to facilitate the evacuation of more distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
