The Nigerian Federal Government announced that it has successfully evacuated 100 Nigerians from South Africa, a move funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The evacuees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos on South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at about 8:30 p.m.
They were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 agencies. The ministry said the return of the 100 persons was financed by the RCCG donation, while an additional five returnees were evacuated with funding from a private Nigerian citizen, bringing the latest batch to 105.
According to the ministry’s statement, this latest arrival marks the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the operation began on 10 June 2026, raising the total number of Nigerians evacuated to 1,821. The Federal Government noted that it had fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians to date.
The ministry expressed gratitude to the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its contribution toward the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians. It also acknowledged the support of other philanthropic groups and individuals who have helped bring Nigerians facing safety concerns back home.
In a broader context, the government highlighted ongoing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. It reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic engagement and concrete measures to secure cooperation from South African authorities, while urging Nigerians in the country to remain vigilant, law‑abiding, and to keep in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance.
Other Nigerians who are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities will be evacuated once the necessary processes are finalized, the ministry added.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
