RCCG Donation Supports Evacuation of 100 Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has evacuated 100 Nigerians from South Africa using part of a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of distressed Nigerians facing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement, saying five additional Nigerians were evacuated with financial support from a private Nigerian citizen, bringing the latest group of returnees to 105.

The returnees consisted of 82 adults and 23 children. They arrived in Lagos on Thursday, September 24, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m.

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 government agencies received the returnees after their arrival.

According to the ministry, the RCCG donation is being used to purchase one-way tickets for the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa is also working with RCCG leaders in the country, philanthropic organisations and private individuals to assist other Nigerians who have requested evacuation.

The ministry said some Nigerians awaiting evacuation were undergoing preliminary clearance through the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and the relevant South African authorities. Their return would proceed after the required procedures were completed.

The latest evacuation was the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026. The ministry said the number of Nigerians evacuated through the exercise had consequently risen to 1,821.

Of the total number, the Federal Government provided funding for the evacuation of 1,388 Nigerians, while support from RCCG and private individuals has contributed to the return of others.

The Federal Government thanked RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for providing funds towards the evacuation of 500 Nigerians experiencing difficult circumstances in South Africa.

It also recognised the contributions of other organisations and individuals supporting the evacuation programme.

The ministry said cooperation between government institutions, religious organisations and private citizens had helped address the humanitarian needs of Nigerians affected by difficult circumstances abroad.

The government also raised concern over continuing reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks involving Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

It said diplomatic engagements with South African authorities would continue as part of efforts to address the situation and protect the safety and rights of Nigerians living in the country.

The Federal Government further assured Nigerians in the diaspora that their welfare and protection remained a priority, saying diplomatic and consular channels would be used to provide assistance when necessary.

Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain vigilant and law-abiding and to maintain contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg whenever they require consular assistance.