ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
Nigeria has evacuated another 111 distressed citizens from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated from the country since June to 2,037.
The latest group arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways flight SA060, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
The returnees comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, highlighting the impact of the ongoing evacuation exercise on Nigerian families.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal agencies received the returnees on arrival.
RCCG Funds Evacuation of 111 Nigerians
The ministry disclosed that the latest evacuation was funded through a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
With the arrival of this latest group, the church has funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians under its commitment.
Another 182 Nigerians are expected to benefit from the church’s donation as the evacuation exercise continues.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing financial support for the repatriation of distressed citizens.
Over 2,000 Nigerians Evacuated Since June
According to the ministry, the latest arrival marks the 15th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
The total number of Nigerians evacuated has now reached 2,037, including 1,388 whose repatriation costs were fully covered by the Federal Government.
The ministry said the government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia while promoting the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
Government Advises Nigerians to Remain Vigilant
The Federal Government urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
It also advised citizens to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.
The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians abroad and protecting their welfare.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja — Press Release No. MFA/PR/2026/266, dated October 11, 2026.
