FG Evacuates 105 More Nigerians From South Africa

The Federal Government has evacuated another 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid continued concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other Africans in the country.

The latest returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard South African Airways flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, NAPTIP, NEMA and other relevant agencies received them on arrival.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest exercise was the 13th consular evacuation since the programme began on June 10, 2026. With the latest batch, the number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has risen to 1,821, of whom 1,388 were fully funded by the Federal Government.  

Funding for the latest evacuation also involved private humanitarian support. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) provided a $265,854 donation to purchase one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians seeking to return home. The donation funded the return of 100 people in the latest batch, while the remaining five were supported by a private Nigerian citizen.  

The Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa is continuing discussions with RCCG and other philanthropic organisations and individuals to facilitate the evacuation of additional Nigerians. Some distressed Nigerians are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities and are expected to be evacuated once the necessary processes are completed.  

The Federal Government said it remains concerned about the reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities aimed at protecting the safety, security, rights and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.

The government also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, law-abiding and in regular contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever they require consular assistance.