Monday, May 4, 2026:
No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as concerns grow over renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
The development was disclosed by the Minister of for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report released on Sunday.
She said the evacuation plan forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
According to the minister, the move followed directives from President Bola Tinubu, who has ordered intensified monitoring of the situation and enhanced protection measures for Nigerians living in South Africa.
She noted that arrangements were underway to organise voluntary repatriation flights for interested citizens, adding that the number of applicants is expected to rise as more Nigerians indicate willingness to return home.
The evacuation effort comes amid fresh anti-foreigner protests in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which have heightened fears among foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that the Nigerian government has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, while diplomatic engagements with authorities in South Africa continue.
While recent protests were reported to be largely peaceful under heavy security presence, the minister expressed concern over rising anti-migrant rhetoric and disturbing images circulating on social media, which have sparked global condemnation.
She further confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians in April, allegedly linked to encounters with security personnel, describing the incidents as unacceptable and demanding justice.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to working with South African authorities to protect Nigerian lives and businesses, even as another round of demonstrations is expected in the coming days.
