Xenophobia: FG Resumes Fresh Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa Amid Rising Tensions

The Federal Government has resumed the evacuation of Nigerian citizens from South Africa as renewed xenophobic tensions continue to raise safety concerns for foreigners living in the country.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an evacuation flight operated by Air Peace departed Nigeria on Monday as part of the government’s ongoing effort to bring home Nigerians who voluntarily wish to leave South Africa. The latest operation follows weeks of uncertainty caused by logistical and funding delays that had left hundreds of Nigerians stranded.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the evacuation exercise has officially resumed, with the Air Peace aircraft scheduled to arrive in South Africa to transport registered Nigerians back home.

The exercise forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s earlier approval for multiple evacuation flights following the growing wave of anti-immigrant protests and threats directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

Although the Federal Government had earlier announced plans to evacuate all willing Nigerians, bureaucratic delays reportedly slowed the release of approved funds, leaving many stranded.

Recent reports indicate that more than 700 Nigerians had registered for evacuation as fears intensified over planned nationwide anti-immigrant demonstrations and a June 30 deadline issued by some anti-immigration groups demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country.

South Africa has witnessed renewed anti-immigrant protests fueled by concerns over unemployment, crime, and economic hardship. While migrants have frequently been blamed for these challenges, several studies and official statistics show little evidence that foreign nationals are responsible for the country’s broader economic problems.

The violence has forced thousands of migrants from several African countries—including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique—to seek shelter or arrange emergency return flights to their home countries.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned attacks on foreigners and appealed for calm, while security agencies have pledged to prevent violence during the protests.

The Nigerian government says it is working closely with South African authorities, Air Peace, and relevant agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians who choose to return.

Officials also assured that the evacuation pr will continue until every registered Nigerian willing to leave South Africa has been safely repatriated.