Federal Government intensifies evacuation amid anti-immigrant protests, fresh attacks on Nigerians and diplomatic engagement with Pretoria; over 600 more await repatriation.
By A1NEWS International
Abuja/Lagos/Pretoria | June 30, 2026
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians living in South Africa as xenophobic tensions continue to rise, prompting hundreds of distressed citizens to seek assistance at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria while another batch of 269 Nigerians returned home under the government’s voluntary evacuation programme.
The latest evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the second major government-coordinated evacuation exercise in recent weeks.
The development comes against the backdrop of widespread anti-immigrant protests across several South African cities, renewed calls for the deportation of undocumented migrants and growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians following reported attacks and killings.
Embassy Under Pressure as Nigerians Seek Refuge
As demonstrations intensified across South Africa, hundreds of Nigerians reportedly converged on the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria seeking protection and assistance.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, however, explained that many of those who gathered at the mission had responded to unofficial announcements circulated within community groups rather than official embassy notifications.
According to him, the Nigerian Mission operates a structured evacuation process based on prior screening and scheduled flight manifests.
He disclosed that only screened individuals whose travel had been confirmed were invited to report to the embassy.
Ajayi noted that some Nigerians who appeared at the mission had not completed the screening process, while others had arrived prematurely after receiving unofficial information from community leaders.
269 Returnees Arrive in Lagos
The latest batch of evacuees was received in Lagos by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Leading the reception was the Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, who conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance to the returning citizens.
Government officials reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.
The Ministry confirmed that the evacuation exercise remains voluntary and will continue until all Nigerians who have registered and completed the required screening are returned home.
FG Assures Nigerians Remaining in South Africa
Despite the deteriorating security concerns, the Federal Government urged Nigerians still residing legally in South Africa to remain calm.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that diplomatic engagements with the South African Government are continuing at the highest levels to ensure adequate protection for Nigerian nationals.
Officials also confirmed that additional evacuation flights have already been scheduled to transport those still awaiting repatriation.
According to available figures, more than 600 Nigerians have completed screening, while approximately 400 others remain on the waiting list for subsequent evacuation flights.
Anti-Immigrant Campaign Intensifies
Tuesday witnessed coordinated demonstrations in several South African cities as thousands of protesters demanded stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
The protests followed an ultimatum issued by anti-migrant organisations that had designated June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Although South African police described most demonstrations as peaceful, authorities confirmed isolated incidents involving:
- Looting;
- Assaults;
- Vandalism;
- Intimidation of foreign nationals.
Police maintained heavy deployments across Johannesburg’s central business district, while military personnel were reportedly deployed to Hillbrow, an area with a significant migrant population.
Businesses remained closed in several commercial districts as security agencies monitored developments.
Reports of Attacks on Migrants Raise Alarm
Local reports indicated that protesters targeted areas with large migrant populations.
In Yeoville, demonstrators allegedly threw objects at residences occupied by foreign nationals.
In Germiston, some suspected undocumented migrants were reportedly removed from their homes and handed over to immigration authorities for verification.
Police also confirmed arrests linked to looting and attacks on foreign-owned businesses.
In KwaZulu-Natal, several individuals were arrested over alleged looting, intimidation and assault-related offences.
Fresh Killing of Nigerian Under Investigation
Adding to growing concerns was the reported killing of a Nigerian businessman popularly known as “Big Joe.”
The businessman was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province, on Sunday.
As of press time, South African authorities had not officially established the motive for the killing.
The Nigerian High Commission confirmed that it has opened communication with South African police to obtain a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Earlier Deaths Still Under Investigation
The latest incident follows other reported deaths involving Nigerians in South Africa.
In April, Amaramiro Emmanuel reportedly died following an alleged assault involving members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Days later, Ekpenyong Andrew was reportedly arrested in Pretoria before later being found dead in a mortuary under circumstances that remain under investigation.
The Nigerian Government has previously lodged diplomatic protests over the incidents and continues to demand transparent investigations and accountability where criminal conduct is established.
Ramaphosa Appeals for Peace
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to calm rising tensions by meeting with protest leaders before Tuesday’s demonstrations.
While acknowledging public concerns surrounding immigration management, the President emphasized that foreign nationals residing legally in South Africa remain entitled to constitutional protection.
Ramaphosa warned against intimidation, violence and destruction of property, stressing that the constitutional right to protest does not permit criminal conduct.
His intervention reflects growing pressure on the South African Government to balance immigration enforcement with the protection of human rights and public order.
Humanitarian Support for Stranded Nigerians
Pending further evacuation flights, the Nigerian High Commission, working alongside the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and humanitarian partners, has continued providing temporary accommodation and relief materials to stranded citizens.
According to the Acting High Commissioner:
- About 79 men are being sheltered in a church facility volunteered by a Nigerian pastor.
- More than 80 women and children remain at the Nigerian High Commission.
- Food, blankets, medical support and other humanitarian assistance are being provided while awaiting evacuation.
Officials insist that every registered Nigerian willing to return will eventually be accommodated under the ongoing programme.
Diplomatic Relations Under Renewed Test
The resurgence of xenophobic tensions once again places Nigeria-South Africa relations under intense scrutiny.
Both countries maintain one of Africa’s most significant diplomatic and economic partnerships, yet repeated attacks on foreign nationals have periodically strained bilateral relations.
Analysts say the current situation presents another critical test of regional cooperation under the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, where free movement, investment protection and the security of African citizens remain central objectives.
As anti-immigrant demonstrations continue across South Africa, Nigeria’s evacuation programme has become both a humanitarian response and a diplomatic balancing act.
While the Federal Government continues to reassure Nigerians abroad and facilitate voluntary returns, the recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for sustained bilateral engagement, stronger protection mechanisms for migrants and credible investigations into attacks on foreign nationals.
For many Nigerians still awaiting evacuation, the immediate priority remains safety. For both governments, however, the broader challenge lies in addressing the root causes of recurring xenophobic tensions while preserving one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships.
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