More Nigerians Escape South Africa as 111 Return Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Hillary Michael · Africa · Oct 13, 2026

xenophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerian nationals evacuated from the country since June to 2,037.

xenophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerian nationals evacuated from the country since June to 2,037.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, confirming that the latest batch of returnees arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

The group 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 relevant agencies received them on arrival. According to the ministry, the evacuation was fully funded through a $265,854 donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The ministry noted that the latest arrival brings the number of consular evacuation exercises conducted from South Africa to 15 since the operation began on June 10, 2026.

With the additional 111 returnees, the cumulative number of Nigerians evacuated from the country has now reached 2,037.

The ongoing exercise underscores the government's continued efforts, alongside supporting organisations, to assist distressed Nigerians seeking to return home amid concerns surrounding their safety in South Africa.