Xenophobia: FG repatriates 111 Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has repatriated 111 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the entire variety of residents evacuated from the nation since June to 2,037 amid issues over xenophobic and Afrophobic assaults.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a press release on Sunday.

According to the assertion, the returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.

“The group consisted of 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, NAPTIP, NEMA and other relevant government agencies received them on arrival.”

The ministry stated the evacuation was absolutely funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which donated $265,854 to assist the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

According to the assertion, the most recent train introduced the variety of consular evacuations from South Africa to fifteen because the operation started on June 10, 2026.

It added {that a} whole of two,037 Nigerians had been evacuated from the nation, with the Federal Government overlaying the repatriation prices of 1,388 of them.

The ministry stated 318 Nigerians had thus far benefited from one-way tickets funded by the RCCG, leaving one other 182 tickets to be lined below the church’s dedication.

The Federal Government additionally expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its monetary assist in the direction of the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.

The ministry stated the federal government would proceed to interact related stakeholders, together with South African authorities, to handle xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the protection and welfare of Nigerians dwelling within the nation.

It suggested Nigerians in South Africa to obey native legal guidelines, stay vigilant and take the mandatory precautions to guard themselves.

“The ministry advised Nigerians in South Africa to stay in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance whenever the need arises,” the assertion stated.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its dedication to offering well timed assist to Nigerians dwelling overseas and defending their welfare and well-being.