Another 111 distressed Nigerians have returned home from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic attacks in the country, bringing the total number of nationals evacuated since June to 2,037.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, saying the returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The latest batch comprises 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. They were received by officials of the ministry, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies.
According to the ministry, the evacuation was funded through a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to facilitate the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The latest arrival brings the number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the 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 statement said.
With the arrival of the RCCG-funded group, the church has now paid for the one-way tickets of 318 Nigerian returnees under its commitment to support the evacuation of 500 citizens.
The ministry said another 182 Nigerians were expected to benefit from the church’s financial commitment.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its financial support, describing the contribution as important to the ongoing efforts to bring distressed Nigerians back home.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders, including the South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia while protecting the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry urged Nigerians remaining in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.
It also advised them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.
