Xenophobia: FG condemns attacks, evacuates 114 more Nigerians from South Africa

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja The Federal Government has condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic hostilities against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, as it evacuated another 114 distressed citizens from the country. In a statement on Friday evening, the latest batch of returnees comprised 57 men, 23 women and 34 children who arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant Federal Government agencies. The ministry said the latest operation was the 16th consular evacuation since the exercise began on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,151.

It explained that the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, funded the one-way tickets for the latest batch from its $265,854 donation to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians. With the latest evacuation, the church has funded the return of 432 Nigerians, while the Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 citizens.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its financial support towards the humanitarian exercise. Condemning the attacks, the government called on the relevant South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect all persons, irrespective of nationality, and ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.

It said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa. The statement in parts, “The latest operation marks the sixteenth (16th) consular evacuation since the commencement of the ongoing exercise on 10th June, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa to 2,151.

Of this number, the Federal Government of Nigeria fully funded the return of 1,388 nationals. “The Federal Government reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of xenophobic and Afrophobic hostilities directed at foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa. It further calls on the relevant South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect all persons, irrespective of nationality, and ensure that perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals are held accountable.

“While sustaining engagement with relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa, the Federal Government advises Nigerians in the country to abide by local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise personal safety.” The government also advised Nigerians in the country to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.

It urged them to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely consular assistance as the need arises.