Xenophobia: FG evacuates 111 more Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government evacuated an additional 111 Nigerian citizens from South Africa due to increasing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. These returnees, consisting of 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the evacuation in a statement on Sunday, highlighting the support provided by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which donated $265,854 to fund the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from the country.

The statement noted that this marks the 15th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise commenced on June 10, 2026. As of now, a total of 2,037 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa, with the Federal Government covering the repatriation costs for 1,388 individuals. The church-funded evacuation resulted in 318 Nigerian nationals receiving one-way tickets, leaving 182 more to be repatriated under the church's commitment.

The ministry expressed gratitude to the RCCG for its financial support and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with South African authorities and other stakeholders to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia. The government advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to follow local laws, remain vigilant, and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for any consular assistance.