The Nigerian Federal Government has safely repatriated another batch of 111 distressed citizens from South Africa, addressing serious safety concerns surrounding persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in the region.
Evacuees touch down safely at Lagos airport
The returning group, which includes 44 adult men, 23 women, and 44 children, arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.
Official confirmation came through a statement issued on Sunday by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An inter-agency government delegation was present at the airport terminal to receive the returnees and assist with immediate profile verification and reintegration services.
Representatives involved in the reception included 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).
Church donation supports ongoing evacuation program
This latest diplomatic intervention was made possible through a financial grant of $265,854 donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) under the leadership of its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
The funding initiative was designed specifically to support the airfare and emergency repatriation of 500 vulnerable Nigerians stuck in South Africa.
With this recent flight, a total of 318 citizens have now returned home using plane tickets sponsored directly by the church’s humanitarian fund. The ministry noted that 182 additional Nigerian nationals are slated for repatriation in upcoming flights under the remaining balance of the RCCG pledge.
Cumulative totals reflect rising demand for government assistance
The arrival of Flight SA060 marks the 15th official consular evacuation exercise managed by the Nigerian government since the structured repatriation program commenced on June 10, 2026.
Since the operation began, the government and partner organizations have successfully brought back a cumulative total of 2,037 Nigerians from South Africa.
Out of this total figure, 1,388 individuals had their full flight costs and logistics covered directly through Federal Government funding, while private and religious interventions funded the remaining returnees.
Government addresses diplomatic concerns and advises diaspora
While formally expressing appreciation to Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG leadership for their substantial financial contribution, the Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to resolve systemic host-community tensions.
Federal authorities emphasised that diplomatic channels remain active between Abuja and Pretoria to address the root causes of anti-foreigner sentiment and ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised all members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to stay alert, prioritise personal safety, and strictly comply with local regulations.
Citizens were urged to keep open communication channels with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever urgent consular assistance or emergency support is required.
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