Another 111 Nigerians have returned home from South Africa following xenophobic attacks in the country, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated since the ongoing exercise began in June to 2,037.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi. The returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The latest group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from 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 relevant agencies received them upon arrival.
The evacuation was funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which pledged to cover the cost of one way tickets for 500 Nigerians seeking to leave South Africa because of the difficult circumstances they face.
With the return of the latest batch, the church has now funded tickets for 318 Nigerians under the initiative. Another 182 people are expected to benefit from the remaining funds committed to the evacuation programme.
The Federal Government disclosed that the latest arrival marked the 15th consular evacuation operation from South Africa since the exercise commenced on June 10, 2026.
It added that the total number of Nigerians evacuated from the country had risen to 2,037, with the Federal Government fully covering the repatriation expenses of 1,388 returnees.
The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its financial contribution, describing the support as valuable to efforts to bring distressed Nigerians back home safely.
Beyond the evacuation exercise, the Federal Government said it would continue working with relevant stakeholders, including the South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Nigerians who remain in the country have been advised to obey local laws, stay alert and take necessary precautions to protect themselves amid the security concerns.
The Ministry also urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance whenever necessary.
