RismadarVoice Reporters
September 26, 2026
The Federal Government has evacuated another 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa following renewed anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday night aboard a South African Airways flight.
They were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant government agencies.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed the development in a statement.
According to the ministry, the evacuation of 100 of the returnees was financed from a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God for the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians.
The remaining five returnees were evacuated with financial support provided by a private Nigerian donor.
The latest operation brings the number of evacuation exercises conducted since June 10, 2026, to 13, with a total of 1,821 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa.
Of that number, the ministry said 1,388 Nigerians were evacuated with full funding from the Federal Government.
It added that other Nigerians seeking evacuation were undergoing clearance procedures at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and would be repatriated once the necessary processes were completed.
The Federal Government reiterated its concern over recurring anti-foreigner protests in South Africa and said diplomatic engagements would continue with relevant authorities to protect the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as well as individuals and organisations that have provided financial and logistical support for the evacuation exercises.
The government said it would continue monitoring developments in South Africa and providing consular assistance to Nigerians affected by the situation.
