At least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as the Federal Government moves to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions linked to renewed anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update shared via her X handle on Sunday, saying the evacuation plan is part of coordinated diplomatic and security efforts involving Nigerian missions in South Africa.
She said the exercise follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered enhanced monitoring of the situation and stronger protection measures 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 ongoing to compile details of Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation.
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she noted, adding that the number is expected to rise as more citizens request assistance to return home.
The minister also confirmed that Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, while diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are ongoing.
The development comes amid renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg, which Nigerian authorities say have heightened concerns over the safety of their nationals.
“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 said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that President Tinubu had expressed serious concern over the situation and urged South African authorities to ensure effective control by relevant security agencies.
While noting that South African leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior security officials, had condemned the violence, she said disturbing images circulating online had intensified global concern.
She described reports of violence, hate speech, and anti-migrant rhetoric during protests as alarming, noting that they had attracted widespread condemnation.
According to her, demonstrations held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful but required heavy police deployment, with officers occasionally using tear gas to disperse crowds. She added that no Nigerian deaths or destruction of Nigerian-owned property were recorded during that period.
However, she confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians allegedly linked to encounters with South African security personnel.
She said Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25, 2026, from injuries sustained after being allegedly beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
She also disclosed that Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew died following an alleged encounter with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Describing both incidents as unacceptable, the minister said Nigeria was closely monitoring investigations and demanded justice for the victims.
She added that another round of protests is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting further diplomatic and security coordination between both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerian missions are working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of citizens while evacuation arrangements continue.
She stressed that Nigeria remains committed to addressing the situation through diplomatic channels, recalling the country’s historical support for South Africa’s liberation struggle and urging stronger cooperation to end recurring xenophobic attacks.
