At least 130 Nigerians living in South Africa have registered for voluntary evacuation as the Federal Government steps up efforts to protect its citizens following renewed anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation report released on Sunday, noting that the evacuation plan is part of a broader response by the Nigerian government to rising tension and safety concerns.
According to the minister, the evacuation arrangement was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has directed relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerians abroad.
She explained that the registration process is ongoing and the number of Nigerians seeking to return home is expected to rise in the coming days.
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, adding that arrangements are being made to organise voluntary repatriation flights for those who wish to return to Nigeria.
The minister stressed that the safety of Nigerians remains the government’s top priority. She said officials are currently working with Nigerian missions in South Africa to gather details of citizens who may need assistance.
The development comes amid fresh anti-immigrant demonstrations in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, where tensions have reportedly increased in recent weeks.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the protests have created fear among foreign nationals, including Nigerians, many of whom run small businesses or work in different sectors of the South African economy.
“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities,” she said.
She added that President Tinubu had expressed serious concern after being briefed on the situation and had called on South African authorities to take stronger steps to maintain order and protect lives.
In response to the developments, Nigeria has also taken diplomatic action by summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner. The move is aimed at seeking explanations and ensuring that adequate measures are put in place to safeguard Nigerians.
The minister confirmed that discussions are ongoing between both countries, with Nigerian officials engaging their South African counterparts on how to manage the situation and prevent further escalation.
While South African leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have publicly condemned violence and called for calm, disturbing images circulating on social media have continued to raise concern both in Nigeria and internationally.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that such images, showing violence and strong anti-foreigner rhetoric, have drawn widespread criticism and renewed attention to the issue of xenophobia in South Africa.
She explained that protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful but still required heavy security presence.
According to her, the demonstrations were led by a local anti-migration group and took place under the watch of armed police officers, who at times used teargas to prevent violence.
“The protests witnessed a largely peaceful procession under the presence of heavily armed police,” she said, adding that there was no confirmed killing of Nigerians or destruction of Nigerian-owned property during that period.
However, despite the relative calm during the protests, the minister confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerian citizens, both linked to alleged encounters with security personnel.
One of the victims, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, reportedly died on April 25, 2026, from injuries sustained after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
In another case, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew was said to have died following an interaction with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Describing the incidents as unacceptable, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria is demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the victims.
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” she said. “The Nigerian High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents.”
The situation is further complicated by plans for another round of protests expected between May 4 and May 8, 2026. This has prompted increased coordination between Nigerian diplomatic missions and South African authorities to prevent any outbreak of violence.
The minister said Nigeria is working closely with South Africa to ensure that Nigerians are protected while also preparing evacuation plans for those who feel unsafe.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa are not new. Over the years, there have been several incidents where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have been targeted during protests linked to unemployment, crime, and economic hardship.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed out that Nigeria played a major role in the fight against apartheid and supported South Africa during its liberation struggle. She said this historical relationship should be remembered and respected.
“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa,” she said, urging that this history be passed on to younger generations.
She warned that Nigerian lives and businesses should not continue to be at risk and stressed the need for lasting solutions to the recurring problem of xenophobia.
“It has become a repetitive wave, most especially before elections in South Africa,” she noted, adding that some political actors take advantage of the situation to push anti-foreigner narratives.
As part of efforts to address the issue, Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning systems to help protect citizens of both countries during periods of tension.
For now, the Federal Government says it will continue to monitor the situation closely, support Nigerians in South Africa, and take all necessary steps, including evacuation, to ensure their safety.
With more protests expected and anxiety rising, many Nigerians in South Africa are now faced with a difficult choice to remain and hope for calm, or return home under the government’s evacuation plan.