Xenophobia: FG Evacuates 114 More Nigerians From South Africa, Condemns Attacks
The Federal Government has condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, as it evacuated another 114 distressed Nigerians from the country.
The latest batch of returnees, comprising 57 men, 23 women and 34 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The returnees were received by officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant Federal Government agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the latest operation was the 16th consular evacuation since the exercise commenced on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,151.
The ministry explained that the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, funded the one-way tickets for the latest batch of returnees.
The church had donated $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
With the latest operation, the RCCG has funded the return of 432 Nigerians, while the Federal Government has fully financed the evacuation of 1,388 citizens.
The government expressed appreciation to the church for its financial contribution to the humanitarian exercise.
Condemning the attacks, the Federal Government called on the relevant South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect all persons, irrespective of nationality, and ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.
The ministry stated, “The Federal Government reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of xenophobic and Afrophobic hostilities directed at foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa. It further calls on the relevant South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect all persons, irrespective of nationality, and ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.”
The government added that it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia while promoting the safety and welfare of Nigerians residing in the country.
It also advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety amid the reported hostilities.
The ministry urged Nigerians requiring consular assistance to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely consular assistance whenever necessary.