The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, with a church-funded initiative covering the returnees’ travel costs.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Sunday.
It said the latest evacuation was fully funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God to facilitate the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The ministry said 318 Nigerians had so far benefited from the church’s funding, leaving 182 people to be repatriated under the commitment.
The latest arrival brings the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,037 since the ongoing exercise began, including 1,388 whose repatriation costs were fully covered by the Federal Government.
According to the ministry, the latest arrival also brings the number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the exercise commenced on June 10, 2026.
The returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for supporting the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect Nigerians living in the country.
“The Federal Government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including authorities of South Africa, to address Xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country, and promote the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians residing there,” the statement said.
The ministry advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
It also urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance when necessary.
The government said it remained committed to providing timely consular support to Nigerians abroad and safeguarding their welfare.
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