Xenophobia: Nigerians register for evacuation in South Africa

Xenophobia: Nigerians register for evacuation in South Africa

At least 130 Nigerians have signed up for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa, as the federal government intensifies efforts to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update shared on her X handle on Sunday, noting that the evacuation plan is part of wider diplomatic and security measures being coordinated through Nigerian missions.

She said the initiative follows directives from Bola Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.

“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said, adding that “arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed that interest in the evacuation exercise is growing.

“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she said.

The minister also revealed that Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner, as diplomatic engagements continue over the unrest.

The development comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-immigrant protests in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, raising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the Republic of South Africa in recent weeks,” she noted.

She added that the president had “expressed grave concern on the situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.”

While South African authorities, including Cyril Ramaphosa, have condemned the violence, disturbing visuals circulating online have continued to draw global outrage.

“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterised by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speeches and incendiary anti-migrant statements by the arrowheads of such rallies, have generated worldwide condemnation,” she said.

According to the minister, protests held between April 27 and 29 were largely peaceful but required heavy police presence.

“The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, between 27 – 29 April 2026, witnessed a largely peaceful procession, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed teargas to deter the protesters from engaging in violent activity.

“There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian-owned properties during this particular protest,” she explained.

However, she confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both allegedly linked to encounters with security personnel.

“Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth,” she said.

She added that “Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on 20th April 2026.”

Describing the incidents as unacceptable, the minister said, “This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigerian High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents, and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases.”

She further disclosed that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, prompting intensified coordination between both countries.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa.

“Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern.

“It has become a repetitive wave, most especially before elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes.

“Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times such as these.”