The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated 105 more citizens from South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. The evacuees, consisting of 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos on September 24 via South African Airways flight SA060. They were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant government agencies.
This latest evacuation brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa to 1,821 since the Federal Government started the consular evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026. The exercise has been carried out 13 times so far. Out of the 1,821 evacuees, the Federal Government fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 persons. The recent evacuation was partially funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God to purchase one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians.
The donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, led by Enoch Adejare Adeboye, covered the evacuation of 100 out of the 105 returnees in the latest batch. A private Nigerian citizen funded the evacuation of the remaining five returnees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to the church and other philanthropic groups and individuals for their support in facilitating the return of Nigerians who have expressed concerns over their safety.
The Federal Government's diplomatic mission in South Africa is continuing discussions with the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and other philanthropic groups to facilitate the return of additional Nigerians. Some distressed Nigerians are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities. They will be evacuated as soon as the process is finalized.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. The government will continue diplomatic engagements and pursue other measures to secure the cooperation of South African authorities in tackling xenophobia and Afrophobia and protecting Nigerians living in the country.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives, rights, welfare, and dignity of Nigerians in the diaspora. It will deploy appropriate diplomatic and consular measures whenever circumstances require. The government also urged Nigerians resident 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 for consular assistance when necessary.
The evacuation exercise is part of the Federal Government's efforts to provide relief to Nigerians seeking to return home due to distress and concerns over their safety. The government will continue to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from South Africa.
Key points
- The Federal Government has evacuated 1,821 Nigerians from South Africa since June 10, 2026.
- The Redeemed Christian Church of God donated $265,854 to fund the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians.
- The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
