The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 111 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. The returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
According to the ministry, the group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP, NEMA and other federal agencies.
The evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God through its $265,854 donation to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians.
The ministry said the latest exercise brought the total number of consular evacuations from South Africa to 15 since the operation began on June 10, 2026.
With the new arrival, the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has risen to 2,037. Of that number, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government.
The government disclosed that 318 Nigerians have so far benefited from one-way tickets funded by RCCG, leaving 182 more to be repatriated under the church's commitment.
The Federal Government expressed its appreciation to RCCG and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for the support.
The government said it will continue to engage South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.
