The Federal Government has brought home another 105 distressed Nigerians from South Africa as efforts continue to assist citizens affected by anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday night aboard a South African Airways flight.
They consisted of 82 adults and 23 children and were received by officials of 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.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the evacuation of 100 of the returnees was financed through a 265,854 US dollar donation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians.
The statement added that the remaining five Nigerians were sponsored by a private Nigerian citizen.
According to the ministry, the latest exercise is the 13th evacuation operation carried out since June 10, 2026.
It said the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has now risen to 1,821, with the Federal Government fully funding the return of 1,388 people.
The ministry disclosed that more Nigerians who indicated interest in returning home are currently undergoing clearance at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and will be evacuated after completing the necessary procedures.
It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad through diplomatic engagement and other support measures.
The ministry also expressed concern over the continued anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens remain a priority.
It commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adeboye for supporting the humanitarian exercise and appreciated other donors who contributed to the evacuation programme.
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