Xenophobia: FG evacuates 111 more Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has evacuated an additional 111 Nigerians from South Africa due to escalating xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents in the country. These evacuees, 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 this development in a statement released on Sunday, crediting the $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for fully funding the operation.

Since the evacuation initiative began on June 10, 2026, a total of 15 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa. This brings the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated to 2,037, with 1,388 evacuations fully covered by the Federal Government. The RCCG has assisted in the repatriation of 318 Nigerian nationals, leaving 182 more to be repatriated under their financial commitment.

The Federal Government expressed gratitude to the RCCG for their financial support and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa, collaborating with both local authorities and international stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians residing there. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Nigerian residents in South Africa to adhere to local laws, remain vigilant, and maintain communication with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance.