FG Evacuates 111 Nigerians From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid growing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways flight SA060. The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, noting that officials from relevant government agencies received the returnees upon arrival.

Among the agencies involved were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the National Emergency Management Agency, alongside other relevant authorities.

The ministry disclosed that the latest evacuation was supported by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which committed funds to provide one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa.

The latest operation brings the number of consular evacuation exercises conducted from South Africa to 15 since the initiative began on June 10, 2026. It also raises the total number of Nigerians evacuated from the country to 2,037.

Of the total number of returnees, 1,388 had their evacuation expenses fully covered by the Federal Government, according to the ministry.

The ministry further revealed that 318 Nigerians had benefited from the RCCG-funded arrangement before the latest exercise. With the ongoing programme, another 182 citizens are expected to receive assistance under the church’s commitment to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing financial assistance to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians facing difficult circumstances in South Africa.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia while strengthening measures to protect Nigerians living in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that diplomatic engagement would continue, with a focus on safeguarding the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians residing abroad.