By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has evacuated another 114 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country.
The returnees, comprising 57 men, 23 women and 34 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday.
According to the statement, officials of the ministry, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other relevant federal agencies received the returnees on arrival.
The ministry said the evacuees' one-way air tickets were fully funded through the $265,854 donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
With the latest exercise, the church has funded the evacuation of 432 Nigerian nationals.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial contribution to the humanitarian exercise.
The ministry stated that the latest operation was the 16th consular evacuation since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,151.
Of the total number, the Federal Government fully funded the return of 1,388 Nigerians.
The government reiterated its condemnation of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and called on South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect residents irrespective of nationality.
It also urged the authorities to ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals were held accountable.
The statement added that the Federal Government was sustaining engagements with relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
Meanwhile, Nigerians residing in South Africa were advised to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.
They were also urged to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely consular assistance whenever the need arises.