Abuja, May 4, 2026 – At least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a situation report posted on her X handle on Sunday.
She said that those who had registered for the voluntary evacuation would be be evacuated through an arrangement being planned by her ministry.
“At least 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission,” she said.
The minister said the evacuation arrangement was part of diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.
She said the evacuation arrangement followed the directives of the president who has ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.
“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the Republic of South Africa in recent weeks,” the minister said.
“The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens.
“Arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the ministry had summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the unrest, while diplomatic engagements continue with authorities in South Africa.
“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the Republic of South Africa in recent weeks,” she said.
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