RCCG Funds Repatriation of Nigerians Stranded in South Africa

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) funded the repatriation of the first batch of Nigerians stranded in South Africa following persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. A group of 107 returnees, including 82 adults and 23 children, arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday night via South African Airways.

General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye approved a $265,854 donation to cover one-way tickets for 500 distressed citizens after an appeal from the Nigerian diplomatic mission. While the RCCG covers air transportation, the Government of Nigeria manages the reception, profiling, and onward movement of returnees to their state capitals. This operation marks the 13th consular evacuation since June 10, 2026, contributing to a total of 1,821 evacuated Nigerians, with 1,388 of those fully funded by the government.

Coordination for the airport reception involved the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Pastor Belemina Obunge, Chairman of the RCCG Task Force, stated that beneficiaries were selected regardless of faith or church membership. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to work with South African authorities to facilitate further evacuations for Nigerians currently undergoing clearance in Johannesburg.