The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in the country.
The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard South African Airways flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi. The returnees were received by officials of 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.
According to the Ministry, 100 of the returnees were evacuated with funds from the $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God towards the purchase of one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians in South Africa.
It added that the remaining five returnees were evacuated through a donation by a private Nigerian citizen.
The Ministry said Nigeria’s diplomatic mission was continuing engagements with the leadership of RCCG in South Africa, as well as other philanthropic organisations and individuals, to facilitate the return of more distressed Nigerians.
It said some Nigerians were currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities, adding that they would be evacuated once the process was concluded.
The latest exercise brings to 13 the number of consular evacuations from South Africa since the exercise began on 10 June 2026, with a total of 1,821 Nigerians evacuated so far.
Of the 1,821 returnees, the Ministry said the Federal Government fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its donation towards the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians.
It also acknowledged other groups and individuals that had supported efforts to assist Nigerians seeking to return home because of concerns over their safety.
The Ministry said the government remained concerned about persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
It added that the government would continue to pursue diplomatic engagements and other measures with South African authorities to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and ensure the safety, security and dignity of Nigerians resident in the country.
The government also urged Nigerians living 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 whenever they require consular assistance.
