Over 130 Nigerians register for evacuation as tensions rise in South Africa

At least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to safeguard its citizens amid renewed anti-foreigner protests.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of Foreign Affairs,  disclosed this in a situation report shared via her X handle on Sunday.

She noted that the evacuation plan forms part of  diplomatic and security measures coordinated with Nigerian missions in the country.

Read also: Nigeria summons South African envoy as xenophobic unrest escalates

According to her, the move follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who has ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and reinforced protection for Nigerians abroad.

“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said.

Read also: Nigeria begins evacuation of citizens amid rising xenophobic attacks

She added that arrangements were ongoing to compile details of Nigerians willing to return home under the voluntary repatriation programme.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed that 130 applicants had already registered with Nigeria’s mission, with the number expected to rise as more citizens indicate interest in returning.

The minister also revealed that Nigeria had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, even as diplomatic engagements continue with authorities in Pretoria.

The development comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which have heightened concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.

“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 stated.

While noting that South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have condemned the violence, the minister said disturbing images circulating across social and mainstream media had triggered global concern.

“The images depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals… have generated worldwide condemnation,” she said.

She explained that protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful, although they required heavy police presence.

“The protests 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,” she added.

However, the minister confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both allegedly linked to encounters with security personnel.

According to her, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries sustained after an alleged assault by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.

She also disclosed that Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20.

Describing the incidents as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerian authorities were closely monitoring investigations and demanding justice.

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The minister further warned of another wave of demonstrations expected between May 4 and 8, prompting intensified security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.

She stressed that Nigerian missions were working closely with South African authorities to ensure citizens’ safety while evacuation arrangements progress.

Highlighting Nigeria’s historical role in the anti-apartheid struggle, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged South Africa to uphold the spirit of solidarity.

Read also: Nigeria demands action as xenophobic attacks resurface in South Africa

“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa. Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk,” she said.

She added that xenophobic tensions tend to resurface periodically, often around election cycles, with anti-foreigner rhetoric exploited for political gains.

The minister also pointed to a recently signed memorandum of understanding between both countries on early warning mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens, particularly during periods of heightened tension.