FG EVACUATES 114 NIGERIANS FROM SOUTH AFRICA OVER XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

The Federal Government has condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, as it evacuated another 114 distressed Nigerians from the country.

In a statement issued on Friday evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest group of returnees comprised 57 men, 23 women and 34 children who arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant federal agencies.

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The ministry disclosed that the operation was the 16th consular evacuation since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,151.

It explained that the Redeemed Christian Church of God, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, funded the one-way tickets for the latest batch through its $265,854 donation to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians.

With the latest operation, the church has sponsored the return of 432 Nigerians, while the Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 citizens.

The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its financial contribution to the humanitarian exercise.

Condemning the attacks, the Federal Government called on South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect everyone, regardless of nationality, and ensure that those responsible for violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.

The statement read, “The Federal Government reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of xenophobic and Afrophobic hostilities directed at foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa. It further calls on the relevant South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect all persons, irrespective of nationality, and ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.”

The government said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to tackle xenophobia and Afrophobia while promoting the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.

It also advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety amid the reported hostilities.

The ministry urged citizens to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad and providing timely consular support whenever required.