The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to the ministry, the returnees were received by officials from the ministry, 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 federal government agencies.
The evacuation forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to assist citizens facing distressing circumstances in South Africa amid concerns about xenophobia, discrimination and hostility towards other Africans.
The ministry disclosed that the latest evacuation was fully funded by a donation of $265,854 made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to facilitate the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The church’s financial contribution is intended to cover the cost of one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home.
The government described the support as an important contribution to the ongoing repatriation exercise, which has involved collaboration between public institutions and private organisations.
“The arrival of the returnees brings the total number of consular evacuations conducted from South Africa to 15 since the commencement of the ongoing evacuation exercise on 10th June, 2026,” the statement said.
The ministry added that the latest operation brought the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,037.
Of this figure, 1,388 Nigerians had their repatriation expenses fully covered by the Federal Government.
The figures reflect the scale of the government’s ongoing consular assistance to Nigerians who have expressed a desire to leave South Africa amid concerns about their safety and welfare.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further disclosed that 318 Nigerians had so far benefited from the RCCG-funded programme, leaving another 182 people expected to return under the church’s commitment to finance 500 one-way tickets.
The statement explained that the latest group of 111 returnees had their travel expenses covered through the church’s donation.
“With the successful evacuation of this RCCG-funded batch, a total of 318 Nigerian nationals have had their one-way tickets funded by the church. Therefore, 182 more nationals are expected to be repatriated under RCCG’s commitment to fund 500 one-way tickets,” the ministry stated.
The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for providing financial assistance towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.
It noted that contributions from organisations and other stakeholders could help facilitate the safe return of Nigerians who might otherwise struggle to meet the cost of international travel.
The church’s intervention comes as the Federal Government continues to coordinate evacuation arrangements and provide consular assistance to citizens who wish to return home.
Beyond the evacuation exercise, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other relevant stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia.
Xenophobia refers to hostility or prejudice against people perceived to be foreigners, while Afrophobia describes prejudice, discrimination or hostility directed at Africans, particularly those from other African countries.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain significant diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations. However, concerns over attacks on foreign nationals have periodically strained relations between the two countries.
The Nigerian government said it remained committed to protecting the welfare, safety and dignity of its citizens living in South Africa through diplomatic engagement and consular support.
“The Federal Government remains committed to engaging relevant stakeholders, including authorities of South Africa, to address Xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country, and promote the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians residing there,” the statement added.
The ministry’s position indicates that the evacuation programme is being pursued alongside diplomatic efforts to address the circumstances prompting some Nigerians to seek repatriation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
It also advised citizens to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance whenever necessary.
The ministry stressed that Nigerian diplomatic missions remained available to provide consular support to citizens experiencing difficulties or requiring guidance on their safety and welfare.
It reiterated the government’s commitment to responding to the needs of Nigerians living abroad and ensuring that those facing distress receive appropriate assistance.
“The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being,” the statement said.
The latest evacuation underscores the continuing role of diplomatic missions and government agencies in assisting Nigerians abroad, while the RCCG’s financial contribution highlights the involvement of religious organisations in humanitarian support.
With 182 Nigerians still expected to benefit from the church-funded arrangement, attention will remain on the completion of the planned evacuations and the government’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa over concerns about the treatment and safety of foreign nationals.
