Xenophobia: RCCG Funds Evacuation of 500 Nigerians, 111 More Return Home

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government has repatriated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) continues to support efforts to bring distressed citizens back home.

The latest evacuation brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa since June 2026 to 2,037, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry disclosed that the returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.

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 upon arrival.

The ministry said the latest evacuation was fully funded by the RCCG, which donated $265,854 to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, made the financial commitment to assist Nigerians seeking to return home amid concerns over their safety and welfare in the southern African country.

According to the ministry, the latest exercise marked the 15th consular evacuation since the operation began on June 10, 2026.

318 have benefited from one-way tickets provided through the RCCG’s intervention.

Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, the Federal Government has funded the repatriation of 1,388, while 318 have benefited from one-way tickets provided through the RCCG’s intervention.

The ministry added that 182 tickets remained to be covered under the church’s commitment to facilitate the return of 500 distressed Nigerians.

It expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its financial support, describing the contribution as an important intervention in the ongoing effort to assist vulnerable Nigerians abroad.

Beyond the evacuation exercise, the Federal Government said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the protection of Nigerians living in the country.

The ministry also urged Nigerians who remain in South Africa to stay vigilant, obey local laws and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves.

It advised citizens requiring consular assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.

The latest repatriation highlights the continuing efforts by the Federal Government and private organisations to assist Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad, while diplomatic engagement remains a key part of efforts to address concerns over the treatment and safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.

Read Also: RCCG Makes History as Nigeria Records West Africa’s First Tele-Robotic Surgery