The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another batch of 111 distressed citizens from South Africa, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated to 2,037. The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060. They were received by officials from various Federal Government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The evacuation exercise was fully funded by the $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa. This is the 15th consular evacuation exercise conducted from South Africa since the commencement of the ongoing operation on June 10, 2026. The RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians, with 182 more to be repatriated under the church's commitment.
Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in Abuja on Sunday. The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its financial support, describing the intervention as a contribution to efforts to evacuate distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Federal Government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety, welfare, and dignity of Nigerians residing in the country. The government advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant, and prioritize their safety. They were also urged to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare. The evacuation exercise is part of the government's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad. The RCCG's donation will go a long way in supporting the repatriation of more distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Nigerian government has been working tirelessly to evacuate its citizens from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. The country has been experiencing a surge in xenophobic attacks, leading to the evacuation of many Nigerian citizens. The government has assured Nigerians in South Africa that their safety and well-being are its top priority.
The evacuation of 111 more distressed citizens from South Africa brings to 2,037 the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the ongoing exercise. The government will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of more Nigerian citizens from South Africa. The RCCG's donation will be used to support the repatriation of more distressed Nigerians.
Key points
- The Federal Government has evacuated 111 more distressed Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated to 2,037.
- The evacuation exercise was fully funded by the $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
- The government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety, welfare, and dignity of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
