At least 130 Nigerians have enrolled for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as the Federal Government steps up efforts to protect its citizens amid renewed anti-foreigner protests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update released on Sunday, May 3, noting that the evacuation plan forms part of broader diplomatic and security coordination with Nigerian missions in South Africa.
She explained that the move followed instructions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed closer monitoring of developments and reinforced measures to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said, adding that “arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”
Providing an update on the process, the minister said, “So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” noting that more Nigerians may still come forward.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also confirmed that Nigeria had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, while diplomatic engagement with authorities in the country remains ongoing.
She expressed concern over the growing tension triggered by recent anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg.
“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 said.
She added that the President had “expressed grave concern on the situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.”
Although South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have condemned the unrest, the minister noted that disturbing images circulating globally have intensified concern.
“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterised by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speeches and incendiary anti-migrant statements by the arrowheads of such rallies, have generated worldwide condemnation,” she stated.
She, however, explained that protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful despite heavy security deployment.
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“The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, between 27 – 29 April 2026, 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 explained.
Despite this, the minister confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians linked to security encounters.
“Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth,” she said.
She further disclosed that “Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on 20th April 2026.”
Describing the incidents as unacceptable, she said, “This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigerian High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents, and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases.”
The minister also warned of fresh protests expected between May 4 and 8, adding that authorities in both countries are intensifying coordination to prevent escalation.
She emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens and maintaining diplomatic engagement to address recurring xenophobic tensions.
“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa.
“Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern.
“It has become a repetitive wave, most especially before elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage this 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 such as these,” she concluded.