Nigeria brings home another 105 citizens from South Africa as Xenophobic attacks persist
South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian government has evacuated a fresh batch of 105 distressed nationals from South Africa, bringing the total number repatriated since June 2026 to 1,821 amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic violence targeting African migrants.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the returnees, 82 adults and 23 children arrived in Lagos on South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, 24 September, at approximately 20:30 hours.
They 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 federal agencies.
“This latest arrival constitutes the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the commencement of the exercise on 10th June 2026,” the statement said. Of the overall total, the Federal Government fully funded the return of 1,388 people.
One hundred of those in the latest group were repatriated using funds from a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, which was earmarked for 500 one-way tickets. The remaining five were sponsored by a private Nigerian citizen.
The Ministry expressed “profound appreciation” to the RCCG and other donors, noting that Nigeria’s diplomatic mission continues to work with philanthropic groups as more nationals undergo clearance for possible return.
The current wave of anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa intensified earlier in 2026, with anti-immigration groups issuing deadlines for undocumented foreigners to leave and reports of attacks, intimidation, and deaths of African nationals, including Nigerians.
Nigeria began organised voluntary evacuations in mid-June after hundreds registered for repatriation amid rising fears.
Similar tensions have strained bilateral relations in the past, prompting diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Pretoria. The Nigerian government has repeatedly urged South African authorities to protect the safety and dignity of its citizens while advising those remaining in the country to stay vigilant and maintain contact with the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate in Johannesburg.
