Nigeria Continues Evacuations From South Africa Amid Anti-Migrant Violence

Nigeria is continuing its efforts to bring home citizens affected by escalating anti-migrant violence in South Africa. The latest evacuation flight, funded by the Federal Government, landed in Lagos carrying 268 Nigerians.

“

The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, 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.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that President Bola Tinubu ordered the evacuation to proceed beyond the June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups. This special flight followed three earlier ones that repatriated nearly 600 Nigerians. The government emphasizes that the exercise is ongoing for all screened and cleared citizens who voluntarily registered.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the administration's commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, calling it a "central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda." The evacuations occur as anti-immigrant sentiment intensifies across South Africa, with demonstrators blaming foreigners for unemployment and strained public services. This wave of violence has reportedly resulted in at least four deaths, prompting several African nations to organize voluntary repatriations.

“

The evacuations remain ongoing. The Federal Government is committed to bringing home safely our Nationals who voluntarily registered to be evacuated and have been duly screened and cleared.

The Nigerian government also plans to discuss compensation with South African authorities for businesses and properties left behind by affected Nigerians.

“

Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in adherence to that unbreakable bond between citizen and state, remains dedicated to this mandate.