No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as the Nigerian government intensifies efforts to protect its citizens amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The development was disclosed on Sunday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report shared via her X handle.
She said the evacuation arrangement forms part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg.
According to the minister, the evacuation plan followed directives from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians living abroad.
“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She added, “Arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she said, noting that the figure is expected to rise as more Nigerians indicate interest in returning home.
The minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, while diplomatic engagements continue with authorities in the country.
She said the Nigerian government had observed heightened anxiety over recent anti-foreigner protests, some of which allegedly targeted Nigerians in selected South African cities.
“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 further revealed that President Tinubu had expressed grave concern after receiving a briefing on the situation and had called for stronger intervention by host security agencies.
She noted that while South African authorities, including Cyril Ramaphosa, had condemned violence, disturbing images circulating on mainstream and social media had sparked global concern.
According to her, protests held between April 27 and April 29, 2026, in Pretoria and Johannesburg were largely peaceful but required the deployment of heavily armed police officers, who occasionally used teargas to prevent violence.
She clarified that no Nigerian was killed and no Nigerian-owned property was destroyed during the particular demonstrations.
However, the minister confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians allegedly linked to security personnel.
According to her, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25, 2026, from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel 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 discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20, 2026.
Describing both incidents as unacceptable, the minister said Nigeria was closely monitoring investigations through its High Commission and demanding justice for the victims.
“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 said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further warned that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and May 8, 2026, prompting intensified security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.
She said Nigerian diplomatic missions are working closely with South African authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens as evacuation preparations continue.
The minister also reminded South Africans of Nigeria’s historic role in the liberation struggle against apartheid, stressing that Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be endangered.
She added that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens of Nigeria and South Africa during periods of tension.
