By Iroyin Yoruba Television
LAGOS, NIGERIA — October 24, 2026
Nigeria has evacuated another 114 distressed citizens from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians returned through the ongoing consular exercise to 2,151, according to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The latest group arrived in Lagos at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060. The returnees comprised 57 men, 23 women and 34 children.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant federal agencies received the returnees on arrival.
The ministry said the evacuation was part of an exercise that began on June 10, 2026, to assist Nigerians facing distressing circumstances in South Africa. The latest operation was the sixteenth consular evacuation under the programme.
Funding for the latest group came from a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians. With the arrival of the 114 returnees, the church had funded tickets for a total of 432 Nigerians under the initiative.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for supporting the humanitarian exercise. It said the Federal Government had independently funded the return of 1,388 of the 2,151 Nigerians evacuated since the operation began.
The evacuations highlight the role of consular assistance in responding to threats to citizens abroad. They also demonstrate how government agencies and private humanitarian organisations can share the financial burden of emergency repatriation.
Nigeria condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic hostility against foreign nationals and called on South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect people regardless of nationality and ensure that perpetrators of violence are held accountable.
The ministry said the Federal Government would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
It also urged Nigerians remaining in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety. Citizens needing assistance were advised to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
The evacuation provides immediate assistance to the people who have returned, but it does not by itself resolve the wider concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. Sustained diplomatic engagement and effective protection by the relevant authorities remain important to preventing further harm.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and providing consular assistance when required.