Latest Evacuation Brings Total Returnees to 1,821 Since June
The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa following anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos on a South African Airways flight on Thursday night.
Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP, NEMA and other relevant agencies received the returnees.
The Ministry said the evacuation of 100 people in the latest batch was funded from the $265,854 donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God for the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians. The remaining five were funded by a private Nigerian citizen.
According to the Ministry, the latest exercise was the 13th evacuation since June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated to 1,821. Of that number, 1,388 were fully funded by the Federal Government.
The Ministry said some other distressed Nigerians were undergoing clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and would be evacuated after the process is completed.
It reiterated its concern over persistent anti-foreigner protests in South Africa and said it remained committed to diplomatic engagement to protect the safety and dignity of Nigerians in the country.
The Federal Government also thanked the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other donors for supporting the evacuation efforts.