The Federal Government has repatriated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to the ministry, the latest evacuation was funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God to facilitate the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
It said the latest operation brought the total number of consular evacuations from the country to 15 since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
The ministry added that the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa had risen to 2,037, including 1,388 whose repatriation expenses were fully paid by the Federal Government.
It further disclosed that 318 Nigerians had benefited from the RCCG-funded initiative, leaving 182 people to be evacuated under the church’s commitment.
“With the successful evacuation of this RCCG-funded batch, a total of 318 Nigerian nationals have had their one-way tickets funded by the Church. Therefore, 182 more nationals are expected to be repatriated under RCCG’s commitment to fund 500 one-way tickets,” the statement said.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for supporting the evacuation exercise.
It also reiterated its commitment to working with South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect Nigerians living in the country.
“The Federal Government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including authorities of South Africa, to address Xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country, and promote the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians residing there,” the ministry stated.
The government advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain alert and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
It also urged them to keep in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance when needed.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular support to Nigerians abroad and safeguarding their welfare.
