No fewer than 130 Nigerians have signed up for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to protect its citizens amid rising anti-foreigner tensions.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update on Sunday, noting that the evacuation plan forms part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.
She explained that the move followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians living abroad.
“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said, adding that arrangements are ongoing to collate details of Nigerians willing to return home under the voluntary repatriation programme.
“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she stated, noting that the figure is expected to rise as more Nigerians seek assistance.
The Federal Government has also summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner as diplomatic engagements intensify over the unrest.
The development comes amid renewed anti-immigrant protests in major cities, including Pretoria and Johannesburg, raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said although protests held between April 27 and 29 were largely peaceful, they required heavy police presence, with occasional use of teargas to prevent escalation.
“There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian-owned properties during this particular protest,” she noted.
However, she confirmed two separate deaths involving Nigerians in earlier incidents allegedly linked to security operatives.
One victim, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, reportedly died from injuries sustained after an alleged assault by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
In a separate incident, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew was said to have died following an encounter with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later found at a mortuary in Pretoria.
Describing both incidents as “utterly condemnable,” the minister said Nigerian authorities are closely monitoring investigations and have demanded justice.
She also warned of another round of protests expected between May 4 and 8, prompting intensified coordination between Nigerian and South African authorities.
While acknowledging that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other officials have condemned the violence, the minister said disturbing images circulating online have heightened global concern.
She stressed that Nigeria remains committed to working with South Africa to end recurring xenophobic attacks, which she noted often intensify during election periods.
“Nigerian lives and businesses must not continue to be put at risk,” she said, adding that both countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms to safeguard citizens.
The Federal Government assured that Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa are working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians while evacuation preparations continue.
