83 more Nigerians evacuated from South Africa over Xenophobia attacks

THE Federal Government has announced that another batch of 83 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa will return to the country on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, amid concerns over Afrophobic attacks and growing anti-foreigner sentiments.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the returnees will leave Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at about 3:35 p.m. local time aboard a South African Airways flight and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 8:45 p.m. the same day.

The ministry said the latest evacuation was made possible through the intervention of private individuals who sponsored the returnees’ air tickets.

“The Ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the Federal Government acknowledges with profound gratitude,” the statement said.

The latest repatriation comes after the completion of the Federal Government’s voluntary evacuation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerians return from South Africa amid concerns over attacks, discrimination and hostility towards foreign nationals.

The ministry said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to safeguarding the welfare, dignity and interests of Nigerians both within the country and overseas.

It said the government’s Citizen Diplomacy policy recognises Nigerians living abroad as “not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development,” stressing that their safety and well-being remained a priority.

The ministry also praised the individuals and philanthropists who provided financial support for the latest evacuation, describing their intervention as an example of the “whole-of-society approach” being encouraged by the government.

“The Ministry commends their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of our compatriots in South Africa,” it added.

The Federal Government called on the organised private sector, corporate bodies, state governments, philanthropists and other Nigerians at home and abroad to support efforts aimed at assisting citizens facing emergencies outside the country.

The ministry said broader collaboration would strengthen the country’s ability to respond swiftly to consular crises and protect Nigerians in distress.

It also disclosed that Nigeria would continue diplomatic engagements with South Africa in an effort to address the underlying factors responsible for Afrophobia and prevent further attacks against Nigerians and other Africans.

“The government remains committed to deepening strategic partnerships with host nations, including South Africa, to address the root causes of Afrophobia and ensure that such acts of violence and discrimination against Nigerians are prevented and are strongly condemned when they occur, including holding perpetrators of such violence to account,” the ministry stated.

The ministry expressed appreciation to the private sponsors who funded the latest evacuation and urged other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at protecting Nigerians living and working abroad.