FG Evacuates 111 More Nigerians from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 111 Nigerians from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic violence.

The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that officials from the ministry, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received the evacuees.

The evacuation was fully funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), part of its pledge to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians.

According to the ministry, this latest operation marks the 15th consular evacuation since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated to 2,037. Of these, 1,388 were repatriated at government expense, while 318 have benefited from RCCG’s funding commitment.

The Federal Government expressed gratitude to RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for the church’s support and reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities to tackle xenophobia and safeguard Nigerians abroad.

Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to comply with local laws, remain vigilant, and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance.