Xenophobia: FG Evacuates 111 More Nigerians From South Africa

The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, bringing the total number of returnees under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.

The latest group arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The returnees comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed in a statement.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 federal agencies received the returnees on arrival.

RCCG funds latest evacuation

Adeniyi said the latest evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), following the church’s donation of $265,854 to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The latest arrival brings to 318 the number of Nigerians whose one-way air tickets have been funded through the church’s contribution. Another 182 tickets remain under its commitment to support the evacuation programme.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support.

Over 2,000 Nigerians evacuated

According to the ministry, the latest arrival marks the 15th consular evacuation conducted since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.

The total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa under the programme has now reached 2,037. Of that number, 1,388 had their repatriation expenses fully covered by the Federal Government.

The exercise was organised amid concerns about the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa following reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

Xenophobia refers to hostility or prejudice towards people perceived to be foreigners, while Afrophobia describes hostility or discrimination directed at people of African origin or descent.

FG urges Nigerians to remain vigilant

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address attacks against Nigerians and promote the safety, welfare and dignity of citizens living in the country.

The ministry also advised Nigerians remaining in South Africa to obey local laws, stay alert and prioritise their personal safety.

It urged citizens who require assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.

The government said it would continue to provide consular assistance to Nigerians abroad when necessary.

The latest evacuation highlights the continuing efforts to help Nigerians who wish to return home amid concerns about their security in South Africa.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Voice of Nigeria.