The Federal Government has commenced arrangements to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa as tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests escalate, with at least 130 citizens already registered for voluntary repatriation.
The move follows renewed demonstrations and xenophobic rhetoric in major cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg, where protesters have blamed undocumented migrants for unemployment, insecurity, and economic challenges.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development in a statement shared via her X handle, emphasising that the safety of Nigerians abroad remains a top priority for the government.
“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home,” she said.
According to her, 130 Nigerians have so far registered with the country’s mission in South Africa for evacuation, noting that the figure is expected to rise as the exercise continues.
“Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting our mission in this regard,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said anxiety has heightened in recent weeks following a series of protests targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed grave concern on this situation and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services,” she stated.
She also confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents involving South African security personnel.
The minister said Amamiro Emmanuel died after allegedly sustaining injuries from an assault by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth. In a separate case, Nnaemeka Andrew was reported dead following an encounter with the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases,” she said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed close monitoring of the situation ahead of another planned protest scheduled for this month.
The Nigerian government has also summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner over the developments, while diplomatic missions continue to engage local authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during its liberation struggle, warning that the lives and businesses of Nigerians must not be endangered.
“We remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern,” she said, adding that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms to protect their citizens.
