RCCG-Funded Evacuation Lifts Total Nigerian Returnees from South Africa to 2,037

​LAGOS — The Federal Government has successfully repatriated another batch of 111 distressed citizens from South Africa, bringing the total number of evacuees under the ongoing rescue mission to 2,037.

​The latest cohort touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060. Released via an official statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the latest returnees consist of 44 men, 23 women, and 44 children fleeing escalating xenophobic tensions.

​Corporate and Faith-Based Intervention

​The successful airlift was heavily cushioned by a major humanitarian intervention from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The church donated $265,854 (approximately N318 million equivalent funding contextually) explicitly earmarked to sponsor one-way tickets for 500 distressed Nigerians stranded in South Africa.

​With this latest flight, the RCCG-backed initiative has successfully facilitated the return of 318 citizens. General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, emphasized that the mission remains ongoing.

​”Batch three is home. 111 Nigerians have landed safely in Lagos, and the journey is far from over. With the support of RCCG, more of our people are on their way back, one batch at a time, until every one of the 500 is home,” Pastor Adeboye stated.

​This brings the total number of distinct consular evacuation operations executed since June 10, 2026, to 15.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Seamless Inter-Agency Reception

​Upon landing, the returnees were received by a multi-agency federal task force. Officials present at the tarmac to provide immediate psycho-social support, profiling, and transit assistance included representatives from:

• ​The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• ​Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)
• ​National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

• ​National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)

​The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering stance on diaspora welfare, assuring citizens abroad of prompt consular interventions whenever safety is compromised. Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to airlift the remaining 182 beneficiaries tied to the RCCG pledge.