At least 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as Nigeria moves to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report via her X handle on Sunday, said the evacuation arrangement is part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.

The minister explained that the evacuation plan follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who has ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.

“The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.

“So far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” noting that the number is expected to increase as more citizens seek assistance to return home.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also confirmed that the ministry had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, while diplomatic engagements continue with authorities in South Africa.

The development comes amid renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg, which Nigerian authorities say have heightened concern for the safety of their nationals.

“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,” the minister said.

She added that Tinubu had “expressed grave concern on this situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that while South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior security officials, had condemned violence, disturbing images circulating online had fuelled international 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.

According to her, protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful but still required heavy police deployment in the affected cities.

“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,” the minister explained.

However, Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians, both allegedly linked to interactions with security personnel.

“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, referring to the South African National Defence Force.

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 both incidents as unacceptable, Odumegwu-Ojukwu 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,” she said.

The minister added that another wave of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting further security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.

She stressed that Nigerian diplomatic missions are working closely with South African authorities to ensure the protection of citizens while evacuation preparations continue.

The minister further stated, “Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact whichh 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.” (Sunday PUNCH)

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