The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated from the country to 2,037 since the commencement of the ongoing evacuation exercise in June 2026.
The latest batch arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa. The returnees comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the returnees were received by officials of the Ministry, 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.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation was funded through a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
According to the statement, the latest arrival brought the number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
It added that the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from the country had risen to 2,037, with the Federal Government fully covering the repatriation costs of 1,388 returnees.
The ministry further revealed that 318 Nigerians had so far benefited from the RCCG-funded one-way tickets, leaving another 182 citizens expected to be repatriated under the church’s commitment.
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.
It reaffirmed its commitment 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 also advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Calls for Restraint After Deadly Houthi Attack on Saudi Airport
Ododo Offers Three-Year Levy Waiver to Attract Investors to Kogi
It urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being.
About The Author
1 thought on “FG Evacuates 111 More Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks”