Xenophobia: FG repatriates 111 Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has repatriated 111 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated from the country since June to 2,037 amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.

“The group consisted of 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, NAPTIP, NEMA and other relevant government agencies received them on arrival.”

The ministry said the evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which donated $265,854 to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

According to the statement, the latest exercise brought the number of consular evacuations from South Africa to 15 since the operation began on June 10, 2026.

It added that a total of 2,037 Nigerians had been evacuated from the country, with the Federal Government covering the repatriation costs of 1,388 of them.

The ministry said 318 Nigerians had so far benefited from one-way tickets funded by the RCCG, leaving another 182 tickets to be covered under the church’s commitment.

The Federal Government also expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.

The ministry said the government would continue to engage relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.

It advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

“The ministry advised Nigerians in South Africa to stay in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance whenever the need arises,” the statement said.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely support to Nigerians living abroad and protecting their welfare and well-being.

Xenophobia: FG repatriates 111 Nigerians from South Africa