The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid continuing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, bringing the total number of Nigerians returned under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, through its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi. According to the ministry, the returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8.
The group comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received the returnees upon arrival.
The ministry said the latest evacuation was supported by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. The contribution is intended to cover one-way air tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians seeking to return home. With the latest group, 318 returnees have had their tickets funded through the church’s donation.
Adeniyi expressed the government’s appreciation for the support and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia, protect citizens abroad and uphold their dignity.
The ministry also urged Nigerians still living in South Africa to remain vigilant, obey local laws and maintain contact with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg for assistance when necessary.
The evacuation is significant amid renewed concerns about the safety of African migrants in South Africa. Anti-immigrant protests and reported attacks have strained relations between South Africa and several African countries, including Nigeria.
Nigeria began the latest voluntary repatriation exercise in June 2026 after citizens expressed concerns about their security. The Federal Government has continued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities while coordinating assistance for Nigerians who wish to return.
