XENOPHOBIA: Nigerian government evacuates 111 citizens from S’Africa funded by RCCG

The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa following xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country, which have killed a number of people and disrupted lives and businesses.

The returnees, consisting of 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Sunday.

The ministry said the returnees were received by ministry officials, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Human Trafficking, the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant Federal Government agencies.

According to the statement, the evacuation was fully funded by a $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God to support the evacuation of 500 suffering Nigerians from South Africa.

“The returnee’s arrival brings the total number of consular evacuations carried out from South Africa to 15 since the start of ongoing evacuation drills on 10 June 2026,” the statement said.

He added that this latest evacuation brings the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,037, including 1,388 whose repatriation costs were fully borne by the Federal Government.

The ministry revealed that 318 Nigerians have so far benefited from the RCCG-funded evacuation, leaving another 182 citizens to be repatriated based on the church’s commitment.

It said, “With the successful evacuation of this RCCG-funded group, a total of 318 Nigerian citizens have been provided with one-way tickets funded by the church. Therefore, another 182 nationals are expected to be repatriated based on RCCG’s commitment to fund 500 one-way tickets.”

The Federal Government expressed its appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation of Nigerians in distress.

They also reiterated their commitment to engage with South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country.

“The Federal Government remains committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders, including the authorities in South Africa, to address Xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country, and improve the well-being, safety and dignity of Nigerians living there,” the statement added.

The ministry advised Nigerians living in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.

They urged them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg to obtain consular assistance if necessary.

“The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to provide timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguard their welfare and well-being,” the statement said.