The Nigerian 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 approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to Adeniyi, ”the returnees were received at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other relevant federal government agencies.”
He said ”the evacuation was the sixteenth consular operation since the exercise commenced 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, while the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) provided financial support for the evacuation of others.
Adeniyi explained that the latest batch of returnees had their one-way tickets funded through the $265,854 donation made by the RCCG to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
“With this latest batch, the Church has funded the evacuation of a total of 432 Nigerian nationals,” he stated.
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The Ministry expressed appreciation to the church, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial contribution to the humanitarian exercise.
The Nigerian Government also reiterated its condemnation of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa.
He called on the relevant South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect all persons, irrespective of nationality, and ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.
The spokesperson said that the Nigerian government would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
The Ministry also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.
“They are also urged to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary,” Adeniyi said.
The Nigerian Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and providing timely consular assistance whenever the need arises.
The latest evacuation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to assist citizens who wish to return home amid concerns about their safety in South Africa.
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