By Woke Joshua
The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated from the country to 2,037.
The returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a press release dated Sunday, October 11, 2026, signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
The latest batch comprises 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. They were received by officials of 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 government agencies.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation was fully financed through a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
With the arrival of the latest group, the total number of consular evacuations carried out from South Africa has risen to 15 since the ongoing exercise began on June 10, 2026.
Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation expenses fully covered by the Federal Government.
The ministry further stated that the RCCG has now funded one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians under its commitment to support the evacuation of 500 citizens, leaving 182 more tickets to be funded.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial contribution towards the evacuation of Nigerians facing distress in South Africa.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging the South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The government advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.
It urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg to access consular assistance when necessary.
The ministry reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to providing timely consular support to Nigerians abroad and protecting their welfare and well-being.