The Nigerian Government has commenced arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of its citizens in South Africa following rising anti-foreigner tensions and reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement posted on her X handle, revealing that about 130 Nigerians had so far registered for evacuation assistance.
She said the figure was expected to rise as the Nigerian Government intensified outreach efforts in collaboration with Nigerian community associations in South Africa.
The Minister explained that Nigerian authorities had become increasingly concerned following a series of anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were reportedly targeted.
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According to her, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed stronger engagement with South African authorities and called for enhanced intervention by security agencies to restore calm and protect vulnerable communities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that videos and images circulating on traditional and social media platforms had shown scenes of violence, destruction, and rhetoric perceived as xenophobic.
She said the developments had attracted international condemnation, with critics denouncing the spread of hate speech and anti-migrant sentiments.
“However, recent public statements by key host government officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, and Police Affairs Minister Firoz Cachalia, all express total opposition to any form of extra-judicial killing, destruction of property belonging to foreign nationals, as well as anti-foreigner propaganda and xenophobic sentiments which promote or create anarchy in the land,” the Minister stressed.
She stated that earlier demonstrations organised by a local anti-migration group in Pretoria and Johannesburg were largely peaceful, with no Nigerian casualties or destruction of Nigerian-owned properties recorded during the protests.
The Minister, however, expressed concern over two separate incidents involving Nigerian nationals.
She disclosed that Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel reportedly died on April 25, 2026, after allegedly sustaining injuries from an assault by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
In another incident, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew reportedly died following an alleged encounter with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later discovered in a mortuary in Pretoria.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Nigerian Government had condemned both incidents and demanded thorough investigations and justice for the victims.
“The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents, and Nigeria demands that justice be done in these cases,” she stated.
The Minister added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed intensified monitoring of the situation ahead of another round of demonstrations scheduled between May 4 and May 8, 2026.
She further reminded South Africa of its historical role during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that the shared history between both countries should encourage mutual respect and protection of citizens.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria and South Africa recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on early warning mechanisms for the protection of citizens, adding that the framework should now be fully activated to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja over the escalating concerns.
