By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has evacuated another 114 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of returnees under the ongoing exercise to 2,151.
The 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, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi noted.
According to the ministry, the returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant federal government agencies.
The evacuation was partly funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which donated $265,854 to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
With the latest batch, the church has funded the evacuation of 432 Nigerians, prompting the Federal Government to express appreciation to the RCCG and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for supporting the humanitarian exercise.
The ministry stated that the latest operation was the 16th consular evacuation since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.
It added that the Federal Government had fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians out of the 2,151 citizens returned from South Africa.
The government reiterated its condemnation of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and called on South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect residents irrespective of nationality.
It also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.
While reaffirming its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia, the ministry advised Nigerians residing in the country to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritize their personal safety.
Nigerians in South Africa were also urged to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely consular assistance whenever the need arises.
