morGANABLE Africa/conflict& stability
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuation marked the 13th consular operation carried out since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, in response to rising tensions and reported attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
KaNo—
The Federal Government has evacuated another batch of 105 Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Saturday, noting that the latest evacuation was part of ongoing efforts to assist distressed Nigerians willing to return home.
According to the ministry, the returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday at about 8:30 pm aboard South African Airways Flight SA060. The group comprised 82 adults and 23 children.
They were received at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant government agencies.
The ministry stated that the evacuation marked the 13th consular operation carried out since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, in response to rising tensions and reported attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
It added that with the latest batch, the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa had risen to 1,821, out of which 1,388 were fully funded by the Federal Government.
Providing a breakdown of the funding for the recent evacuation, the ministry disclosed that 100 of the 105 returnees were supported through a donation of $265,854 made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The funds were designated for the purchase of one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians.
The remaining five evacuees, the ministry said, were sponsored by a private Nigerian citizen who contributed towards the humanitarian effort.
The statement noted that Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa was continuing engagements with the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and other philanthropic organisations to facilitate the evacuation of more Nigerians currently undergoing clearance processes.
“Nigeria’s diplomatic mission continues to engage with the leadership of the RCCG in South Africa and other philanthropic groups and individuals, as some other distressed Nigerians are currently undergoing preliminary clearance with our Consulate in Johannesburg and relevant South African authorities. They will be evacuated as soon as the process is finalised,” the statement read.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation exercise.
It also commended other individuals and groups that had partnered with the government to assist Nigerians seeking to return home, describing the collaboration as critical in addressing the humanitarian needs of affected citizens.
The ministry reiterated the government’s concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, which it said continued to pose threats to the safety and well-being of Nigerians living in the country.
“The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa,” the statement added.
It assured Nigerians in the diaspora that protecting their lives, rights and dignity remained a top priority, noting that diplomatic and consular measures would continue to be deployed whenever necessary.
The government also urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant and in regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union in South Africa has issued an advisory urging Nigerians in the country to exercise caution ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations scheduled for September 30.
The protests, organised by the March and March movement, are expected to focus on issues relating to undocumented foreign nationals, following earlier demonstrations held on June 30.
In an advisory signed by its President-General, Dr. Smart Nwobi, the union warned Nigerians to avoid areas where protests and large gatherings were likely to take place.
“NUSA urges all Nigerians and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious,” the statement read.
The union advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations and to ensure that their travel and immigration documents, including passports, permits and visas, were valid and safely kept.
Nwobi further urged Nigerians to comply with lawful instructions from the South African Police Service and other authorised law enforcement agencies, especially when moving through areas identified as potential protest zones.
He encouraged members of the Nigerian community to keep family members and trusted contacts informed of their movements where necessary, particularly during the period of heightened tension.
The NUSA president-general also called on Nigerians to promptly report any threats, attacks, intimidation or suspicious activities to appropriate authorities and the union’s leadership.
He cautioned against responding to provocation with violence, warning that such actions could escalate tensions and endanger lives.
“No Nigerian should take the law into their own hands. We must not respond to provocation with violence or engage in activities capable of putting ourselves, our families or the wider Nigerian community at risk,” he said.
Nwobi emphasised the need for Nigerians to distinguish between concerns over undocumented immigration and the status of Nigerians who are lawfully resident and compliant with South African laws.
He disclosed that the union was engaging relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Mission in South Africa and local authorities, to promote dialogue and ensure the protection of lives and property.
He also urged the Nigerian Mission to sustain its diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to prevent violence and safeguard the rights of Nigerians.
“We urge the Nigerian Mission not to relent in its efforts to engage the South African authorities and utilise every diplomatic means available to prevent violence, protect Nigerian lives and property, and ensure that the rights of Nigerians living lawfully in South Africa are respected,” he added.
The union further warned against the spread of unverified information, including videos and messages capable of creating panic within the Nigerian community.
It assured members that it would continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
