More than 130 Nigerians flee South Africa as xenophobic tensions rise

No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as the Nigerian government intensifies efforts to protect its citizens amid renewed anti-foreigner riots.

This latest information was revealed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report shared on Sunday via her X account. He explained that the evacuation initiative was part of a broader diplomatic and security response coordinated through Nigeria’s mission in South Africa.

According to the minister, the move follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered closer monitoring of developments and stronger protection for Nigerians living abroad.

“The President has reiterated that the current priority remains the safety of our citizens. Arrangements are currently underway to work out details of Nigerians in South Africa who will undertake voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”

“So far 130 applicants have registered for training with our mission,” noting that number is expected to increase as more residents seek help returning home.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further revealed that Nigeria had summoned the Acting South African High Commissioner over the situation, while diplomatic relations with the authorities in South Africa were still ongoing.

The evacuation plans come amid widespread anti-immigrant protests in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, which Nigerian officials say have raised concerns over the safety of their citizens.

“There is increasing anxiety over a series of anti-foreigner protests, which have also targeted Nigerians in certain towns in the Republic of South Africa in recent weeks,” the minister said.

He added that Tinubu had “expressed grave concern over the situation following the briefing, and called for more effective control of the situation by the relevant host security services.”

Although authorities in South Africa, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have publicly condemned the violence, disturbing images circulating online have raised global concerns.

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“Images circulating in mainstream media and social media depicting xenophobic violence, massacres and killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterized by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speech and inflammatory anti-migrant statements from the arrowheads of such demonstrations, have generated condemnation across the world,” he said.

Providing further context, the minister said the protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful but required a significant security presence.

“Protests spearheaded by local anti-migration movements, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, between 27 – 29 April 2026, took place peacefully, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed tear gas to deter protesters from carrying out violent activities.

“There was no recorded killing of Nigerians or destruction of property belonging to Nigerians during these protests,” the minister explained.

However, he confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both reportedly linked to encounters with security officers.

“Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on 25 April 2026 as a result of injuries he suffered as a result of a brutal beating administered by military personnel of the South African National Defense Force on 20 April 2026 in Port Elizabeth,” he said, referring to the South African National Defense Force.

He further revealed that “Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was discovered at Pretoria Central Mortuary on 20 April 2026.”

Condemning both incidents, the minister stated, “This is completely condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigerian High Commission is closely following the investigation into these unfortunate incidents and Nigerians demand that justice be served in this case,” he said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that another round of demonstrations is expected to occur between May 4 and 8, 2026, which will prompt increased diplomatic and security coordination between Nigeria and South Africa.

He stressed that the Nigerian mission was working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of citizens, even as evacuation preparations continued.

Highlighting Nigeria’s historic ties with South Africa, the minister said, “Nigeria is a frontline country that has made great sacrifices towards South Africa’s liberation struggle, a fact that needs to be conveyed to the younger generation in South Africa. “Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to find ways to end this pattern of xenophobia.

“This has been a recurring wave, especially ahead of elections in South Africa, and anti-foreign opposition parties are taking advantage of the situation to garner votes. Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times like these.”