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The Federal Government has evacuated 105 more stranded Nigerians from South Africa, bringing to 1,821 the number of Nigerians brought home since the exercise began in June, amid continued concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country.
The latest group, made up of 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos at around 8.30pm on Thursday 24 September, aboard South African Airways flight SA060.
They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal government agencies.
The development is contained in a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
Return of RCCG funds of 100 Nigerians
According to the ministry, the return of 100 of the 105 evacuees was funded by a donation of $265,854 from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to purchase one-way tickets for 500 stranded Nigerians trying to leave South Africa.
The remaining five returnees were evacuated with funding provided by a private Nigerian citizen, the ministry said.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for supporting Nigerians who wished to return home due to distress and concerns for their safety.
He also recognized other groups and individuals who supported the evacuation program.
The latest evacuation represents the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
With the arrival of the latest batch, the total number of Nigerians evacuated rose to 1,821, of which the Federal Government said it fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 people.
The ministry said the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa remains engaged with the leadership of the RCCG in the country, other philanthropic organizations and individuals to facilitate the return of Nigerians who are still struggling.
He added that some other Nigerians are currently undergoing prior clearance at the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg and the relevant South African authorities.
“They will be evacuated as soon as the trial is concluded,” the ministry said.
The evacuation exercise followed concerns for the safety of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa due to reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The federal government said it is concerned about the persistence of such attacks and is pursuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect Nigerians living in the country.
It said its diplomatic efforts are aimed at ensuring greater cooperation from South African authorities to address the attacks and ensure the safety, security and dignity of Nigerians residing there.
Government also assured Nigerians in the diaspora that the protection of their lives, rights, well-being and dignity remains a priority. He urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and law-abiding and to liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever they require consular assistance.
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