No fewer than 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as the Nigerian government steps up efforts to protect its citizens following renewed anti-foreigner protests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update on Sunday, noting that the evacuation plan is part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated through Nigeria’s missions abroad.
According to her, the move follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has ordered close monitoring of developments and stronger protection for Nigerians living overseas.
She explained that arrangements are already in progress to compile details of Nigerians willing to return home, adding that the number of registered applicants is expected to rise.
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she said.
The minister also confirmed that Nigeria had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the situation.
Tensions have been building in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, where recent anti-immigrant protests have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that although protests held between April 27 and 29 were largely peaceful, they required heavy police presence, with security forces occasionally using tear gas to prevent violence.
Despite this, she confirmed two tragic incidents involving Nigerians. One victim reportedly died from injuries sustained after an alleged assault by members of the South African National Defence Force, while another died following an encounter with metro police.
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Describing the incidents as unacceptable, the minister said Nigeria is closely monitoring investigations and has demanded justice.
She also warned of another round of demonstrations expected between May 4 and 8, stressing that Nigerian authorities are working closely with their South African counterparts to ensure the safety of citizens.
While acknowledging that South African leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have condemned the violence, she said disturbing images circulating online have heightened global concern.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens and addressing the recurring pattern of xenophobic tensions, which she noted often intensifies around election periods.
She added that both countries recently signed an agreement on early warning systems to better safeguard their citizens, expressing hope that such measures would help prevent future incidents.
