The Federal Government has evacuated another 111 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated during the ongoing exercise to 2,037.
The returnees, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos on October 8 aboard South African Airways flight SA060, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
The ministry said officials from the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies received the returnees.
The latest evacuation was funded by a $265,854 donation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
According to the ministry, 318 Nigerians have so far benefited from the church’s support, leaving 182 people to be evacuated under the arrangement.
The government said 1,388 of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government.
It commended the RCCG, led by its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for supporting the evacuation programme.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging South African authorities and other stakeholders to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and protect Nigerians living in the country.
It urged Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their safety. They were also advised to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance when necessary.
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