130 Nigerians Register for Voluntary Evacuation from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Tensions

At least 130 Nigerian citizens have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as the Nigerian government moves to safeguard its nationals following rising anti-foreigner protests in several South African cities.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development in an update on Sunday, noting that the evacuation arrangement forms part of broader diplomatic and security measures coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.

According to the minister, the plan follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who has ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad. The president has made it clear that the safety of citizens remains the priority.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the number of registered applicants is expected to rise as more Nigerians seek assistance to return home. Meanwhile, the ministry has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, while diplomatic engagements continue with authorities in Pretoria.

The renewed tensions come amid anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg. The minister noted that protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful but required heavy police deployment. No Nigerian was killed and no property was destroyed during those particular protests.

However, Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both allegedly linked to encounters with security personnel. One died following alleged beatings by military personnel in Port Elizabeth, while another died after an alleged interaction with metro police, with his body discovered at a mortuary in Pretoria. The minister described both incidents as unacceptable and said Nigeria demands justice.

Another wave of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, which has prompted further security and diplomatic coordination.

The Nigerian government said it remains committed to working with South Africa to end the recurring pattern of xenophobic attacks, noting that a memorandum of understanding on early warning was recently signed between both countries.