No fewer than 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as Nigeria moves to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in the country.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, stated in a situation update on Sunday via her X that the evacuation arrangement is part of broader diplomatic and security preparations being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.
The minister explained that the evacuation plan is in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s directives, which called for increased monitoring of the situation and enhanced safety for Nigerians overseas.
“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 stated, “So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” adding that the figure is expected to rise as more individuals seek assistance in returning home.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that the ministry summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner in response to the unrest and that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are ongoing.
The development comes amid recurrent anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which Nigerian officials say have raised concerns about the safety of their citizens.
“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,” the minister said.
She also stated 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.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu mentioned that while South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior security officials, had condemned violence, disturbing images circulating online had fuelled international concern.
“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage, and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterized by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speeches, and incendiary anti-migrant statements by the arrowheads of such rallies have generated worldwide condemnation,” she stated.
According to her, the protests, which occurred between April 27 and 29, 2026, were mostly nonviolent but necessitated considerable police presence in the impacted cities.
“The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement in Pretoria and Johannesburg between 27 and 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,” the minister explained.
However, Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both of which were allegedly caused by confrontations with security forces.
“Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on the 25th of April, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on the 20th of April, 2026, in Port Elizabeth,” she said, referring to the South African National Defence Force.
She further disclosed 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 both incidents as unacceptable, Odumegwu-Ojukwu 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.”
The minister noted that another round of rallies is planned between May 4 and 8, 2026, necessitating further security and diplomatic coordination between the two countries.
She emphasized that Nigerian diplomatic missions are collaborating closely with South African authorities to ensure civilian safety while evacuation plans continue.
The minister further stated, “Nigeria is a frontline state that made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact that 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.”
