Xenophobia: Nigerian Government Evacuates 105 More Nationals From South Africa, Says Trip Funded By RCCG Church | Sahara Reporters

It however, noted that the evacuation was heavily funded on private church donation.

The Nigerian government has announced the arrival of another batch of 105 distressed Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following relentless Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

It however, noted that the evacuation was heavily funded on private church donation.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived Lagos on South African Airways (SAA) Flight SA060 on Thursday, 24 September, at approximately 20:30 hours.

The statement noted that they were received by officials from the MFA, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant agencies.

However, the MFA’s statement revealed that the Federal Government did not foot the bill for the vast majority of the returning citizens.

“It is important to note that the return of 100 persons in this batch was funded from the Two Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Four US Dollars ($265,854.00) donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) towards the purchase of one-way tickets for the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa,” the statement read.

“The return of the remaining five was funded by the generous donation of a private Nigerian citizen.”

The government hailed the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing succour to those yearning to return home.

“The Federal Government also appreciates other groups and individuals who have partnered with it in the cause of answering the call of fellow compatriots in distress in South Africa. It reiterates that their gesture demonstrates the impact that collaboration between them and public institutions can have in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good,” the MFA stated.

This latest arrival marks the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise commenced on 10th June 2026, bringing the total number of evacuated Nigerian nationals to 1,821. Of this total, the Federal Government claims to have fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 individuals.

Nigeria’s diplomatic mission continues to engage with RCCG leadership in South Africa, noting that other distressed Nigerians are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities, and will be evacuated once the process is finalized.

The government maintained that it remains deeply concerned about the persistent attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

“It remains committed to pursuing diplomatic efforts and other concrete measures to secure the cooperation of the South African authorities in decisively addressing the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia, and ensuring the safety, security and dignity of Nigerians resident in the country,” the statement added.

While assuring Nigerians in the diaspora that protecting their lives, rights, welfare, and dignity remains a priority, the FG urged Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to maintain contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever required.