The Federal Government has evacuated another 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa, with 100 of them sponsored by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) towards the purchase of one-way tickets for 500 stranded citizens.
The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, aboard South African Airways flight SA060.
They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the remaining five returnees in the batch were funded by a private Nigerian citizen.
The exercise marks the 13th consular evacuation since the programme began on June 10, 2026, following a renewed wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
This latest arrival brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated to 1,821. Of these, the Federal Government fully funded the return of 1,388 people, while philanthropic donations and private support covered the rest.
The RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, earlier donated $265,854 specifically to buy 500 one-way tickets for distressed Nigerians seeking to leave South Africa.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation for the church’s intervention, describing it as a significant demonstration of compassion and solidarity.
Nigeria’s diplomatic mission continues to engage RCCG leadership in South Africa and other partners to facilitate further returns.
Some Nigerians are still undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and South African authorities and will be evacuated once the process is completed.
The government reaffirmed its concern over persistent attacks and said it would continue diplomatic efforts to protect the safety, security and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa.
It urged citizens there to remain vigilant, law-abiding and in contact with the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate in Johannesburg for assistance.
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