Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria has evacuated another 105 nationals from South Africa, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated since the exercise began in June to 1,821.
The latest batch, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard South African Airways flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
The returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other government agencies.
The Ministry said 100 of the returnees were evacuated with funds from the $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), while a private Nigerian citizen funded the tickets for the remaining five.
The latest exercise is the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the operation began on 10 June 2026. Of the 1,821 Nigerians evacuated so far, the Federal Government has fully funded the repatriation of 1,388.
The Ministry said more distressed Nigerians are undergoing preliminary clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and South African authorities and would be evacuated once the process is completed.
It expressed concern over persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, saying the government would continue diplomatic efforts to secure stronger action from South African authorities to protect Nigerians.
The Ministry also urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant, law-abiding and maintain contact with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg for consular assistance.
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