The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another 105 distressed citizens from South Africa, increasing the total number of Nigerians brought home since June to 1,821. This latest batch of evacuees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, September 24, aboard a South African Airways flight. The evacuation is part of an ongoing effort to bring home Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The latest group of evacuees consisted of 82 adults and 23 children. 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 Federal Government agencies. The evacuees were provided with assistance and support upon their arrival.
The return of 100 of the 105 evacuees was funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has been supporting the evacuation efforts by providing financial assistance for the purchase of one-way tickets for distressed Nigerians. The remaining five evacuees were funded by a private Nigerian citizen.
This latest evacuation represents the 13th consular exercise since June 10, 2026. The Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians, while philanthropic groups and individuals have supported the repatriation of others. The government continues to engage with South African authorities to address the issue of xenophobia and Afrophobia and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa remains engaged with the RCCG leadership, other philanthropic organizations, and individuals to facilitate the return of Nigerians who are still in distress. Some Nigerians are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities, and they will be evacuated as soon as the process is finalized.
The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the RCCG and other groups and individuals that have supported the evacuation programme. The government remains concerned about the persistence of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and is pursuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to secure stronger cooperation to tackle the attacks and ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
The government has assured Nigerians in the diaspora that protecting their lives, rights, welfare, and dignity remains a priority. Nigerians in South Africa are urged to remain vigilant and law-abiding and to maintain contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg whenever they require consular assistance.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has evacuated 1,821 citizens from South Africa since June amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
- The RCCG has donated $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
- The Federal Government continues to engage with South African authorities to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa.
