The Federal Government has commenced emergency evacuation arrangements for Nigerians residing in the Republic of South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence and rising attacks targeting foreign nationals across several cities.
Authorities confirmed that no fewer than 130 Nigerians have so far registered for voluntary evacuation flights as tension escalates amid fresh protests and reported incidents of violence.
The development comes after the confirmation of two Nigerian deaths in separate incidents allegedly involving South African security personnel, further heightening diplomatic concerns between Abuja and Pretoria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation report on Sunday, noting that the Federal Government was alarmed by the renewed wave of anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.
She said President Bola Tinubu had directed continuous monitoring of the situation and ordered intensified diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
According to her, recent protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, in Pretoria and Johannesburg triggered “heightened anxiety,” although no Nigerian fatalities were recorded during that specific period.
However, she confirmed earlier deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents. One of the victims, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, reportedly died on April 25, 2026, after sustaining injuries from alleged assault by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, was found dead after an encounter with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police.
Describing the deaths as “unacceptable and condemnable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria had demanded full accountability and justice in the cases.
She added that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa was actively engaging with local authorities on investigations, while the Federal Government had also summoned South Africa’s envoy to Nigeria over the incidents.
Although South African leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, had publicly condemned xenophobic violence, the minister said disturbing online footage and hate speeches continued to fuel international concern.
She further disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the possibility of another round of demonstrations between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting Nigeria to activate emergency evacuation measures.
According to her, evacuation logistics were already in progress, with lists being compiled for Nigerians who wish to return home voluntarily.
“So far, 130 applicants have registered for the exercise, and the number is expected to increase as the situation develops,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also recalled Nigeria’s historic role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, stressing that Nigerian citizens and businesses must not continue to suffer recurring xenophobic attacks.
She added that both countries had recently strengthened cooperation through a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms to prevent violence against foreign nationals.
The Federal Government, she reiterated, remains committed to ensuring the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad while pursuing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in South Africa.
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