The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another batch of 111 distressed citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country. The returnees arrived in Lagos on board South African Airways Flight SA060. This recent evacuation brings the total number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the commencement of the ongoing operation on June 10, 2026.
The group of evacuees comprised 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children. They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant federal government agencies upon arrival.
The evacuation was fully funded through the $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa. The RCCG has funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians, leaving another 182 to be evacuated under the church’s commitment to sponsor 500 returnees.
With the arrival of the latest batch, the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa now stands at 2,037, including 1,388 whose repatriation costs were fully covered by the Federal Government. The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders, including the South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety, welfare, and dignity of Nigerians residing in the country. The government also advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant, and prioritize their safety.
Nigerians in South Africa were urged to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed that the government would continue to work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad. The evacuation exercise is part of the government's efforts to protect its citizens from xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has evacuated 2,037 citizens from South Africa since June 10, 2026.
- The RCCG donated $265,854 to fund the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
- The Federal Government has conducted 15 consular evacuations from South Africa since June 10, 2026.
