Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens From South Africa

The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa following a surge in anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that arrangements had been concluded for the first batch of evacuees to depart from Johannesburg and arrive in Lagos, with the government bearing the full cost of the operation.

The evacuation comes amid growing concerns over rising anti-immigration sentiment in South Africa, where some groups have called for undocumented migrants to leave the country and threatened nationwide protests.

According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated interest in returning home under the voluntary repatriation programme. Screening and documentation exercises were conducted by officials at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria ahead of the evacuation flights.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said returnees would receive necessary support upon arrival in Nigeria before being reunited with their families.

The development follows reports of violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting several African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi, to facilitate the return of their citizens.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobic attacks and warned that only state authorities have the mandate to enforce immigration laws, while pledging action against groups involved in violence and vigilantism.

The Nigerian government has assured citizens that efforts are ongoing to protect their welfare and ensure the safe return of those seeking to leave South Africa amid the tensions.