Nigeria Continues Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa as Anti-Migrant Tensions Persist

 Nigeria Continues Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa as Anti-Migrant Tensions Persist

Published: July 2, 2026

Nigeria has announced that it will continue evacuating citizens who wish to leave South Africa following the anti-migrant protests that erupted on June 30, with three additional evacuation flights expected to arrive in the coming days as concerns over the safety of foreign nationals remain high. �

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The Nigerian government said the voluntary evacuation programme is aimed at assisting citizens who no longer feel safe amid growing xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting migrants in several South African communities. Hundreds of Nigerians have already returned home under the programme, while thousands more have reportedly registered for assistance. �

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According to Nigerian officials, the evacuation effort remains voluntary, allowing citizens to decide whether to remain in South Africa or return home. Authorities have also urged Nigerians still living in the country to stay in contact with diplomatic missions and follow official safety guidance. �

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The latest evacuations come after nationwide demonstrations on June 30, during which anti-migrant groups organized marches demanding stricter immigration enforcement. While many protests remained peaceful, violence broke out in several locations, leading to looting, injuries, arrests and fatalities. South African police have since increased security deployments, with more than 900 people arrested during the unrest. �

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned violence and called on demonstrators to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully. He emphasized that both South African citizens and legally resident foreign nationals are entitled to protection under the country's laws. �

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Nigeria is among several African countries—including Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and others—that have organized voluntary repatriation programmes for citizens seeking to leave South Africa as fears of further unrest continue. �

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The Nigerian government has also begun documenting assets and property left behind by returning citizens to help assess potential losses and support future diplomatic engagement where necessary. Officials say evacuation flights will continue for as long as Nigerians request assistance. �

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