By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa following reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant government agencies.
According to the ministry, the evacuation of 100 of the returnees was funded from the $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for the purchase of one-way tickets to evacuate 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
It said the remaining five returnees were brought home through a donation by a private Nigerian citizen.
The ministry added that Nigeria's diplomatic mission was continuing discussions with the RCCG leadership in South Africa, as well as other philanthropic organisations and individuals, to facilitate the evacuation of additional Nigerians currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities.
It said the latest evacuation was the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated to 1,821.
Of the total, the ministry said the Federal Government fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians.
The Federal Government commended the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its donation aimed at assisting 500 distressed Nigerians seeking to return home because of concerns over their safety.
It also appreciated other groups and individuals that have partnered with the government to assist Nigerians in distress in South Africa.
The government said the collaboration demonstrated the potential of partnerships between public institutions and private organisations in addressing social challenges and promoting the common good.
The Federal Government further expressed concern over what it described as persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
It said it would continue to pursue diplomatic engagements and other measures aimed at securing the cooperation of South African authorities to address the attacks and safeguard the lives, rights and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The government urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain assured of its commitment to their welfare and safety, adding that appropriate diplomatic and consular measures would be deployed whenever necessary.
It also advised Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain vigilant and law-abiding and maintain contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg for consular assistance when required.
The statement was signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, on Friday, September 25, 2026.