Tinubu Orders Crisis Unit for Nigerians in South Africa

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to immediately establish a crisis notification unit aimed at safeguarding Nigerian citizens in the country. This directive was issued following a phone conversation with South African Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Lamola on Thursday, amid escalating tensions and concerns over the safety of Nigerians.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed serious concerns about the ongoing anti-foreign campaigns in South Africa, which she described as potentially harmful to Nigerian nationals. She emphasized the need for the South African police and justice system to address extrajudicial killings of Nigerians and ensure the safety of Nigerian children in South Africa.

The Nigerian government has also summoned the South African High Commissioner to account for the deaths of two Nigerians, Nnaemeka Matthew and Andrew Ekpeyong. Amid these tensions, at least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa.