Nigeria Continues Evacuations Amid South African Xenophobia

Nigeria's federal government has continued its evacuation efforts, bringing home another 268 citizens from South Africa amidst escalating xenophobic hostility. The latest group of returnees arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos yesterday. This operation is part of a broader repatriation exercise that began on June 11, 2026, in response to intense anti-African sentiment in South Africa, where locals have targeted immigrants, including those with legal documentation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that an Air Peace charter flight transported the 268 Nigerians, along with flight crew, from Johannesburg. She stated that President Bola Tinubu has directed the evacuation to proceed without interruption, even after the June 30 ultimatum issued by anti-migrant groups expired. This directive underscores the administration's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, a key pillar of its "Renewed Hope Agenda."

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The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa at risk as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks continues, even after the deadline of 30th June 2026.

Prior to this latest flight, nearly 600 Nigerians had already been repatriated. The government assures that the exercise remains open to all citizens who voluntarily registered and passed screening. The ongoing evacuations highlight Nigeria's dedication to its nationals' safety, reinforcing the bond between the state and its citizens.

The intensified anti-immigrant protests in South Africa have led to demands for the departure of all African immigrants, with blame placed on them for unemployment and strained public services. Reports indicate at least four lives have been lost in the recent violence. Several other African nations, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique, have also organized voluntary repatriations. Nigeria is also exploring diplomatic channels to discuss compensation for businesses and properties lost by its citizens affected by the hostility.

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Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in adherence to that unbreakable bond between citizen and state, remains dedicated to this mandate; a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.