Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to evacuate its nationals from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, in a statement shared on X on Monday, confirmed that Nigeria remains deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa, following recent attacks that led to the deaths of two Nigerians identified as Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.
According to the statement, the Federal Government has called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. It also encouraged Nigerians who feel unsafe to take advantage of the ongoing government-backed evacuation flights.
The statement noted that the situation on the ground has shown no clear signs of improvement, prompting continued emergency interventions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier approved a series of evacuation operations, extending the exercise beyond the June 30 deadline.
So far, three evacuation missions have been completed, with a fourth flight landing in Nigeria on July 3, 2026. A new evacuation flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, while the final planned flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10 to bring back remaining Nigerian nationals.
Authorities have urged citizens still considering whether to stay or return to carefully assess the risks, stressing that while property and investments can be replaced, lives cannot.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring their safe return home through all necessary diplomatic and logistical measures.
