Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens from South Africa as Repatriation Total Hits 2,037

October 11, 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria / Pretoria, South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another 111 distressed Nigerian nationals from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated through the ongoing exercise to 2,037.

The latest group arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, according to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.

The returnees comprised 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. 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 government agencies received them upon arrival.

The evacuation comes amid growing concern over anti-migrant demonstrations and violence in parts of South Africa. Nigerian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens abroad while engaging South African officials and other stakeholders to address the situation.

RCCG Donation Funds the Latest Evacuation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the latest operation was fully funded through a donation of $265,854 from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

The church pledged the funds to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa. Its contribution is helping cover the cost of one-way air tickets for citizens seeking to return home.

Following the latest evacuation, 318 Nigerians have benefited from tickets funded by the church, leaving another 182 people to be repatriated under the commitment.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for supporting the repatriation programme.

The arrangement illustrates how non-governmental organisations and religious institutions can contribute to humanitarian assistance when citizens face security concerns outside their home country.

It also provides additional support for the government's consular response, although the long-term resolution of the situation will require diplomatic engagement and measures to improve the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.

Nigeria's Evacuation Figures Continue to Rise

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest arrival brought the number of consular evacuation exercises conducted from South Africa to 15 since the current operation began on June 10, 2026.

The cumulative figures released by the ministry show that:

• • 2,037 Nigerians had been evacuated from South Africa under the ongoing exercise.
  • 1,388 returnees had their repatriation expenses fully covered by the Federal Government.
  • 318 Nigerians had received one-way tickets funded by the RCCG.
  • 182 additional Nigerians remained to benefit from the church's commitment to fund 500 tickets.

These figures describe the evacuation programme reported by the ministry; they should not be interpreted as a complete count of every Nigerian who may have left South Africa independently or through other arrangements.

The government has continued to coordinate with diplomatic missions and relevant agencies to support citizens seeking assistance.

What Is Happening in South Africa?

The evacuations are taking place against the background of renewed anti-migrant tensions in South Africa, where some protesters have demanded the removal of undocumented foreign nationals and blamed migrants for problems including unemployment and crime.

Recent demonstrations have turned violent in parts of Johannesburg and Durban. Reuters reported that South African authorities withdrew a directive relating to the intake of asylum applications after unrest and operational difficulties at refugee reception offices. The Associated Press also reported that protests involved the burning of vehicles and looting of shops, including businesses owned by foreign nationals. The developments have intensified concerns among migrant communities, including Nigerians who live and work in South Africa.

However, it is important to distinguish between peaceful demonstrations over immigration policy and acts of violence directed at individuals because of their nationality or perceived foreign status. Criminal acts against migrants should not be treated as legitimate expressions of concern over employment, public services or immigration procedures.

Similarly, the actions of particular protesters should not be used to characterise every South African. The issue involves public safety, migration policy, law enforcement and the protection of people living within the country's borders.

Xenophobia and Afrophobia:Understanding the Difference

Xenophobia refers to fear, hostility or prejudice directed at people perceived to be foreign. Afrophobia, in the context of African migration, describes hostility or discrimination directed at people from other African countries.

The terms are relevant to the current situation because Nigerians and other African migrants have expressed concerns about their safety amid anti-foreigner rhetoric and reported attacks.

Migration-related tensions in South Africa have multiple dimensions, including unemployment, inequality, pressure on public services, undocumented migration and public frustration with government performance. But blaming an entire migrant population for these problems can deepen divisions and increase the risk of discrimination and violence.

Authorities have a responsibility to enforce immigration laws fairly while protecting everyone from assault, intimidation, unlawful discrimination and property destruction.

For Nigeria, the immediate priority is to help citizens who feel unsafe or wish to return home, while pursuing diplomatic measures that protect those who remain in South Africa.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Citizens Abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Federal Government remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.

The ministry also advised Nigerians in South Africa to comply with local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.

Citizens were encouraged to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.

Consular missions can provide guidance and assistance to nationals facing emergencies abroad, although the type of help available depends on the circumstances and the applicable procedures.

For Nigerians who remain in South Africa, maintaining contact with diplomatic officials and following verified safety guidance can be particularly important during periods of unrest.

The government has also reiterated its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora.

What the Evacuation Means for Returnees

For the 111 people who have arrived in Lagos, the immediate outcome is a return to Nigeria after circumstances that led them to seek assistance from their government.

The group includes 44 children, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the evacuation. Families returning under difficult circumstances may require assistance with transport, accommodation, documentation, healthcare or reintegration into their communities.

The ministry's announcement identifies the agencies involved in receiving the returnees but does not provide a detailed breakdown of the individual support or reintegration services available to each person.

That is an area worth monitoring as the programme continues. Successful evacuation is an important first step, but returnees' longer-term welfare may also depend on whether they can safely reconnect with family members, find accommodation and rebuild their livelihoods.

The government and supporting organisations could help by communicating clearly about the assistance available, the eligibility requirements and the procedures returnees should follow after arrival.

Will Evacuation End the Xenophobia Crisis?

The repatriation programme provides an immediate option for Nigerians who feel unsafe or choose to leave South Africa. However, evacuating distressed citizens does not, on its own, resolve the underlying tensions.

A sustainable response requires diplomatic engagement, effective law enforcement against violence, protection for affected communities and efforts to address the wider causes of anti-migrant hostility.

South African authorities also face the challenge of administering immigration and asylum procedures while maintaining public order and protecting both citizens and foreign residents.

Nigeria, meanwhile, must balance its responsibility to protect its citizens with the need to maintain diplomatic relations and pursue practical cooperation with South Africa.

The latest evacuation demonstrates that consular assistance and voluntary repatriation remain part of Nigeria's response. Whether the wider situation improves will depend on the effectiveness of security measures, diplomatic discussions and the treatment of migrant communities.

Conclusion

Nigeria has evacuated another 111 distressed citizens from South Africa, bringing the reported total under the ongoing repatriation exercise to 2,037 since it began on June 10, 2026.

The latest group, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on October 8. The operation was funded by a $265,854 donation from the RCCG to support the return of 500 Nigerians.

The evacuation comes amid renewed anti-migrant unrest in parts of South Africa, including protests involving violence and the looting of foreign-owned businesses. Nigerian authorities have pledged to continue engaging their South African counterparts while providing consular support to citizens who need assistance.

Note: Bringing distressed Nigerians home offers immediate relief to those who feel unsafe, but evacuation alone cannot solve the wider problem. Protecting migrants, enforcing the law fairly and addressing xenophobic violence through effective policing and diplomacy are essential to ensuring that people can live and work safely, regardless of nationality.

Editorial note: Evacuation figures and funding details are attributed to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as reported by the cited outlets. Reports of unrest are attributed to news organizations covering the developments; the article does not imply that all South Africans support anti-migrant actions.

Sources

TVC News — Xenophobia: Nigeria evacuates 111 distressed citizens from South Africa