Xenophobia evacuations have continued as the Federal Government facilitates the return of 33 Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing total evacuations since June to 1,716.
Xenophobia evacuations have brought 33 Nigerians home from South Africa as the Federal Government continues efforts to assist citizens affected by persistent security concerns and attacks against foreign nationals.
The latest group, made up of 17 adults and 16 minors, arrived in Nigeria aboard South African Airways flight SA060 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. The returnees 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) and other government agencies.
The latest operation marks the 12th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, taking the total number of Nigerians brought home through the programme to 1,716.
South Africa Xenophobia Drives Latest Evacuation
The Federal Government said the latest return was prompted by continuing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks involving Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government remained concerned about the persistent attacks and their implications for the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
The government has also urged Nigerians who remain in South Africa to stay vigilant and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever consular assistance is required.
The situation has become a growing diplomatic concern between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly following reports of killings and other attacks involving Nigerian nationals.
Two Nigerians Killed in September
The latest evacuation comes days after Nigeria confirmed the deaths of two of its citizens in separate incidents in South Africa.
The victims were identified as James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle. Nwankwo died in Cape Town on September 5, while Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nigeria has called for thorough investigations into the deaths and urged South African authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
In Nwankwo’s case, the Nigerian government raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death following his arrest, while the circumstances and motive surrounding Fakunle’s killing had not been established in the ministry’s statement. The Associated Press also reported that South African police had not immediately responded to requests for comment concerning the Nigerian government’s allegations.
The deaths have added to concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals amid renewed anti-migrant tensions in parts of South Africa.
National Assembly Suspends South Africa Engagements
The diplomatic tension has also reached Nigeria’s National Assembly.
In September, the National Assembly suspended official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of legislative activities hosted by South African authorities. The decision followed reports of killings, injuries, intimidation, property destruction and displacement involving Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The measure covers official parliamentary visits, conferences, seminars, workshops, legislative exchanges and related activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The National Assembly, however, said the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
Who Funded the 33 Nigerians’ Return?
Although the Federal Government has coordinated the wider evacuation programme, private Nigerian groups have also played a significant role in helping distressed citizens return home.
For the latest batch of 33 Nigerians, the Private Nigerian Group of Business Friends (PNGBF) and the Nigerian Lawyers Association in South Africa (NLASA) supported the cost of air tickets.
The Federal Government said it had fully funded the evacuation of 1,388 of the 1,716 Nigerians returned through the exercise. That represents roughly 81 per cent of the total, with private organisations and other stakeholders supporting the remaining evacuations.
The development highlights the role of Nigerian community groups and private organisations in responding to citizens facing difficulties abroad.
Earlier in the crisis, other private initiatives also contributed to the repatriation effort. In September, for example, the Redeemed Christian Church of God confirmed a $265,854 donation intended to support the evacuation and repatriation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
Government Takes Issue to ECOWAS and AU
The Federal Government said the concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks have also been brought before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Nigeria is considering additional measures aimed at securing the cooperation of South African authorities in addressing the attacks and protecting Nigerians living in the country.
The government has maintained that protecting the lives, rights, welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.
The latest return therefore forms part of a wider consular response rather than an isolated evacuation. With 1,716 Nigerians now brought home since June, the Federal Government’s response continues as concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa remain unresolved.
For Nigerians still living in the country, authorities have advised vigilance and continued communication with Nigerian diplomatic missions for assistance when necessary.
