Anti-Migrant Attacks: Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens From South Africa

The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa following a wave of anti-migrant attacks, with plans to return all registered citizens before June 30.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the Tinubu administration remains committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

She revealed that the first group of 258 evacuees arrived in Lagos on June 11 and were received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

According to the minister, nearly 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for evacuation, while preparations are underway to bring home the remaining 742-plus citizens within the stipulated timeframe.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant authorities to facilitate the return of Nigerians facing threats and harassment in South Africa.

She expressed concern over reports that Nigerians, including those married to South Africans and raising families in the country, were being targeted.

“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern,” she said.

The minister noted that Nigeria was maintaining diplomatic engagement with South African authorities while assessing other legal and constitutional options.

She also highlighted what she described as a contrast between the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and the operating environment enjoyed by South African companies in Nigeria.

“There are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria.

“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses.

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that continued attacks by anti-migrant groups could further damage South Africa’s international image.

“South Africa has been stained with the stigma of being a xenophobic country. This is not something I think they will be comfortable with in the long run,” she stated.

The minister further disclosed that South African authorities had declined to activate an October 2025 agreement with Nigeria designed to provide an early warning mechanism for the protection of citizens during periods of tension.

She added that several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have also started evacuating their nationals from South Africa as concerns over the attacks intensify.

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