Federal Government has evacuated another 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa as part of ongoing efforts to protect citizens affected by persistent anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The latest batch of returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday night aboard a South African Airways flight.
The evacuees comprised 82 adults and 23 children. They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant government agencies.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation of 100 of the returnees was funded through a donation of 265,854 US dollars made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians.
The ministry added that the remaining five returnees were sponsored by a private Nigerian citizen.
With the latest operation, the number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa since June 10, 2026, has increased to 1,821.
It said 1,388 of those evacuated so far were fully funded by the Federal Government.
The ministry also disclosed that more distressed Nigerians are currently undergoing documentation and clearance at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and will be evacuated once the process is completed.
It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad through sustained diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities.
The government also expressed concern over the continued anti-foreigner protests in South Africa and said it would continue to monitor developments while providing assistance to affected Nigerians.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation exercise.
It also appreciated other individuals and organisations that have contributed to helping distressed Nigerians return home safely.
The Federal Government has continued to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home following repeated anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa. The evacuation programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies, is aimed at protecting vulnerable Nigerians while strengthening diplomatic efforts to safeguard their rights and security. The government has also partnered with faith-based organisations and private donors to support the humanitarian operation.
