ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has ordered a fresh evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The directive comes after reports of renewed violence against Nigerian businesses and residents in parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Several shops owned by Nigerians were looted and set ablaze over the weekend, with community leaders confirming injuries but no deaths as of press time.
The Federal Government said the evacuation will be coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM. Air Peace has been contacted to provide aircraft for the operation, similar to previous evacuations carried out in 2019 and 2023.
In a statement, the Presidency condemned the attacks and called on South African authorities to protect all Africans living within its borders. The government also urged calm among Nigerians at home and abroad, warning against retaliatory actions.
This is the latest in a series of xenophobic flare-ups that have strained Nigeria–South Africa relations over the past decade. Thousands of Nigerians have been evacuated in past operations, while diplomatic efforts have focused on early warning systems and compensation for victims.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a register is being opened at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for Nigerians who wish to return. It advised citizens in South Africa to avoid volatile areas and remain in contact with the mission.
South African police say arrests have been made, but local groups blame foreign nationals for unemployment and crime — claims the Nigerian government has consistently rejected.
