130 Nigerians Register for Evacuation from South Africa

Amid increasing xenophobic tensions in South Africa, at least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation back to Nigeria. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, is organizing this evacuation as part of broader diplomatic security measures.

This initiative follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the need to monitor the situation closely and protect Nigerian citizens abroad. The unrest is linked to anti-foreign protests occurring in cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg, raising concerns for the safety of Nigerians.

Ojukwu confirmed that two Nigerians died in separate incidents involving interactions with South African security personnel. The Nigerian High Commission is closely following these investigations and has condemned the violence.

The ministry anticipates that the number of Nigerians seeking assistance to return home will increase as protests are expected to continue from May 4 to 8, 2026.