Xenophobia Crisis Deepens: FG Moves to Evacuate Over 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa as Attacks Escalate.

Xenophobia Crisis Deepens: FG Moves to Evacuate Over 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa as Attacks Escalate.

With hundreds already rescued and thousands seeking safety, the Federal Government has vowed that no Nigerian willing to return home will be abandoned amid a worsening wave of anti-migrant violence, discrimination and intimidation sweeping across South Africa.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad, assuring that every citizen who has indicated a willingness to return from South Africa amid escalating anti-migrant attacks will be safely evacuated before the June 30 deadline.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who disclosed that the Tinubu administration had intensified efforts to rescue affected Nigerians as reports of harassment, intimidation and forced displacement continue to emerge from various parts of South Africa.

In a statement issued on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister said the government was closely monitoring the situation and had already commenced a large-scale evacuation programme to bring vulnerable Nigerians back home.

According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the first phase of the operation has already been completed, with 258 Nigerians successfully airlifted from South Africa and received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on June 11 by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

She revealed that approximately 1,000 Nigerians had officially registered for evacuation, indicating that more than 742 citizens are still awaiting transportation back to Nigeria. The minister assured that necessary logistics and arrangements were being finalized to ensure that all registered individuals are evacuated before the end-of-June deadline.

The evacuation exercise follows growing concerns over renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant campaigns that have reportedly targeted Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa. The development has heightened fears among affected communities, many of whom have lived in the country for decades and built families, businesses and careers there.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had personally directed relevant government agencies to provide immediate support to Nigerians exposed to danger and harassment and to facilitate the voluntary return of those who no longer feel safe remaining in South Africa.

She stressed that the Nigerian government remains deeply concerned by reports of discrimination, intimidation and hostility directed at Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

“When it comes to situations like this, it is important to exercise caution and restraint,” the minister stated. “However, when your citizens are being systematically harassed and threatened, it becomes a matter of serious national concern.”

She noted that many of the affected Nigerians have spent years in South Africa, established businesses, married South African citizens and raised children who have never known any other country as home.

“Some of these Nigerians are married to South Africans and have children who were born and raised there. Yet, they are being told to leave alongside their spouses and children. This is a deeply troubling situation that cannot be ignored,” she said.

The minister further disclosed that Nigeria has continued to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels while exploring other lawful and strategic measures aimed at protecting Nigerian citizens and securing their rights.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed disappointment over what she described as the unequal treatment of Nigerians, especially considering the extensive economic relationship between both countries and the significant presence of South African businesses operating successfully in Nigeria.

She pointed out that more than 120 South African companies currently operate across various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including telecommunications, banking, hospitality and entertainment.

“There are over 120 South African companies doing business in Nigeria. Nobody is asking them to prove their identity. Nobody is harassing South African employees or taking over their businesses,” she said.

“We have major South African brands such as MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, Protea and many others operating freely and profitably in Nigeria. Yet Nigerians in South Africa are facing intimidation and discrimination. This raises serious questions that we can no longer ignore.”

The minister warned that the activities of anti-migrant vigilante groups were not only threatening lives and livelihoods but were also damaging South Africa’s reputation as a leading advocate of African unity and integration.

She lamented that the actions of the groups undermine the legacy of South Africa’s late anti-apartheid icon and former President, Nelson Mandela, who dedicated much of his life to promoting justice, equality and Pan-African solidarity.

“Nelson Mandela spent 28 years in prison fighting for freedom and building South Africa’s image as a symbol of African unity. Unfortunately, the actions of these vigilante groups are destroying that legacy and creating the perception that South Africa is hostile to fellow Africans,” she said.

According to her, the growing perception of South Africa as a xenophobic nation has already begun attracting negative international attention, leading to the cancellation of concerts, conferences and other major events.

“This situation is causing significant reputational damage. South Africa is increasingly being viewed through the lens of xenophobia, and that is not a label any country would want to carry,” she added.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa on citizen protection had encountered setbacks. She explained that an Early Warning Mechanism Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries in October 2025 had yet to become operational.

The agreement was designed to provide rapid response measures and safeguards for citizens of both nations during periods of tension or crisis. However, according to the minister, South African authorities later argued that officials who signed the agreement lacked the authority to make it legally binding and that additional internal procedures were required before implementation.

She described the development as disappointing, especially given the urgent need for effective mechanisms to prevent violence and protect innocent residents.

The minister further disclosed that Nigeria is not the only country responding to the deteriorating situation. Several African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have also begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa as concerns over safety continue to mount.

With hundreds already evacuated and more flights expected in the coming days, the Federal Government has reiterated its determination to ensure that every Nigerian who wishes to return home is given the opportunity to do so safely.

As tensions continue to rise and international concern grows, the unfolding situation is likely to place increased pressure on South African authorities to address the root causes of the unrest and restore confidence among migrant communities who have long considered the country their home.