Nigerian repatriation from South Africa

Following renewed waves of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, the Nigerian government and faith-based organizations have engaged in efforts to evacuate distressed Nigerian citizens.

In early September 2026, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) donated $265,854 to assist the Nigerian government in purchasing 500 one-way air tickets for repatriation. Since the start of the evacuation process on June 10, 2026, 1,640 Nigerian nationals had been returned to Nigeria, with the Federal Government sponsoring 1,385 individuals and philanthropic donations covering 255.

By late September 2026, the RCCG began the active repatriation of 500 Nigerians, with the first batch of 100 returnees arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The RCCG Task Force for the Reception of Nigerian Returnees stated that the program includes Nigerians of various faiths and is not limited to religious members of the church. Upon arrival, returnees are profiled by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons before being transported to their respective state capitals.