The Federal Government has brought back another 105 Nigerians from South Africa following concerns over attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The returnees, made up of 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos on Thursday aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30pm.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and National Emergency Management Agency were among those who received the group.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest exercise was the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the operation began on June 10, 2026.
With the latest return, the number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has risen to 1,821. The Federal Government has fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 of those returnees.
The ministry said tickets for 100 members of the latest group were paid for with part of a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The money was contributed to support the return of 500 Nigerians facing difficult circumstances in South Africa.
The remaining five people were brought home with financial assistance from a private Nigerian donor.
The Nigerian diplomatic mission is continuing discussions with the RCCG leadership in South Africa, other charitable organisations and individuals to secure support for additional evacuations. The ministry said some other Nigerians are undergoing clearance with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and South African authorities before their return can be arranged.
The Federal Government expressed concern over what it described as persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
It said it would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address the issue and improve the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The government also assured Nigerians abroad that it would continue providing diplomatic and consular assistance when circumstances require it.
Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain vigilant, obey local laws and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Johannesburg when they require assistance.
