FG evacuates 105 more Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has evacuated another 105 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.

The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30pm on Thursday.

They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies.

The ministry said the latest exercise was the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the operation began on June 10, 2026.

It brings the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 1,821, with 1,388 of the returnees fully funded by the Federal Government.

The ministry said the latest evacuation involved 100 Nigerians whose one-way tickets were funded from a $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, while the remaining five were evacuated through a donation from a private Nigerian citizen.

It said other Nigerians seeking to return home were undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities.

The ministry said the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa was continuing discussions with relevant groups and individuals to facilitate the return of other Nigerians who require assistance.

The Federal Government said it remained concerned about reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

It added that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities were ongoing over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.

The government also advised Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain vigilant, obey local laws and maintain contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions for consular assistance when necessary.