Nigeria Evacuates 268 Citizens from South Africa Amid Crisis

The Federal Government of Nigeria has continued its evacuation efforts by airlifting another 268 Nigerians from South Africa, where anti-migrant hostility has intensified. The evacuation flight, confirmed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, departed from Oliv Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 5:36 AM and arrived safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 11, 2026.

This initiative is part of a broader response to ongoing xenophobic protests targeting African migrants, including Nigerians, in South Africa. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the evacuation exercise continue despite a June 30 ultimatum issued by anti-migrant groups.

Earlier flights have already brought nearly 600 Nigerians back home. The Nigerian government remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad and has indicated plans to engage with South African authorities regarding compensation for affected Nigerian businesses.