Nigeria Brings Home 111 Citizens from South Africa Amid Safety Concerns

The Nigerian government has brought back 111 citizens from South Africa, responding to ongoing safety concerns related to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. This repatriation took place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and marked the 15th evacuation since the operation began on June 10, 2026.

The returnees included 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children. They arrived in Lagos on a South African Airways flight and were welcomed by officials from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

So far, a total of 2,037 Nigerians have been repatriated under this initiative. Of these, 1,388 had their travel costs completely covered by the Nigerian government. The latest evacuation was funded by a donation of over $265,000 from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which is helping to repatriate 500 distressed Nigerians.

The church has already provided one-way tickets for 318 citizens, with 182 more tickets remaining under its commitment. The Nigerian government expressed gratitude for this support and emphasized its ongoing efforts to work with South African authorities to address safety issues for Nigerians living there.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Nigerians in South Africa to follow local laws, stay alert, and prioritize their safety. They are encouraged to keep in touch with the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate for assistance when needed.