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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of returnees to 2,037.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the evacuation in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, saying the returnees were received by officials from relevant Federal Government agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The ministry said the latest evacuation was fully funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
It added that the arrival marked the 15th consular evacuation since the exercise began on June 10, 2026. Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government.
The RCCG-funded evacuation has now covered one-way tickets for 318 Nigerians, leaving 182 more to be brought home under the church’s commitment.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing financial support to help distressed Nigerians return home.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other stakeholders to tackle xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, obey local laws and prioritise their safety. It also advised them to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance.
The government said it would continue providing support to Nigerians abroad and working with relevant authorities to safeguard their welfare and dignity. (The Sun)
