Nigeria Evacuates Nearly 1,300 Citizens from South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobic Violence

 

 Nigeria has evacuated nearly 1,300 citizens from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The Federal Government says additional evacuation flights have been arranged as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians still living in affected communities.

The scale of the crisis

The evacuation began last month following a fresh wave of anti-immigrant attacks across South Africa, triggered partly by fringe groups demanding undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30. According to South Africa's own Border Management Authority, more than 35,000 people have been repatriated or deported since June 7 — a figure that captures just how widespread the unrest has become, well beyond Nigeria's citizens alone.

Nigeria's own evacuation has unfolded in stages: an initial flight of 258 returnees arrived June 11, followed by a privately-funded flight for 66 stranded citizens on June 24, then 269 more on June 30, and 271 additional returnees on July 3 — bringing the total past 1,300 with President Bola Tinubu extending the operation beyond its original June 30 deadline. A further 270 evacuees were expected home July 8, with the final scheduled flight due to depart for South Africa on July 10.

The deaths that raised the alarm

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has repeatedly stressed there are "no signs that the situation is improving," pointing specifically to the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during the unrest. Joe was killed in front of his shop in eMalahleni by unidentified assailants on June 28, while Iroegbu died during police interrogation in Pretoria the same day. South African police say Joe's killing does not appear directly linked to the protests, but have not yet commented on the circumstances of Iroegbu's death. Nigeria has formally demanded a full investigation into both deaths; South Africa's foreign ministry has asked Nigeria's High Commission to submit any actionable evidence to support what it calls a "thorough, objective investigation."

A blunt warning to those still there

In her most recent public statement, the minister delivered an unusually direct message to Nigerians still in South Africa, urging anyone who feels unsafe to register immediately for the remaining evacuation flights rather than wait. "Properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost," she said, warning that sending distress calls after the evacuation window closes "will not help matters." The ministry has also had to push back on misinformation circulating on social media falsely claiming that mission officials in South Africa were demanding payment from citizens to be included on evacuation lists — all evacuation flights, the ministry stressed, are fully government-funded at no cost to returnees.

The Bigger Picture

The latest evacuation highlights the recurring challenge of xenophobic violence in South Africa and its impact on African migrants. While emergency flights provide immediate relief for those wishing to return home, many observers argue that lasting solutions will require stronger protection for foreign nationals, closer cooperation between both governments, and efforts to address the underlying social and economic tensions that continue to fuel these attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Nigeria evacuating citizens from South Africa?

The evacuation follows renewed xenophobic attacks that have raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.

How many Nigerians have been evacuated?

Nearly 1,300 Nigerians have been evacuated, with additional flights scheduled.

Are the evacuation flights free?

Yes. According to the Nigerian government, the evacuation flights are fully funded and returnees are not required to pay.