Full Breakdown
Nigeria Evacuates Citizens from South Africa as Xenophobic Violence Escalates
6/11/2026, 11:08:34 PM
Nigeria Launches Evacuation Amid Xenophobic Violence
On 10 June 2024 a flight operated by Air Peace left O.R. Tambo International Airport with 268 Nigerians, the first group of a planned repatriation. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation is fully funded and that returnees will be documented, profiled and supported on arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. About 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary exit, and more than 500 have already been screened.
Background: Xenophobic Tension in South Africa
South Africa’s unemployment exceeds 30 percent, and anti-migrant sentiment has risen since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. Recent protests have targeted foreign nationals in Johannesburg, the Western Cape and other cities. Police confirmed two Mozambican men were killed in the Western Cape, while Mozambican officials claim a higher death toll. No official South African figures exist for recent xenophobic fatalities. Studies cited by regional media note that migrants constitute less than 10 percent of the population, contradicting claims that they drive unemployment or strain public services.
Key Actors
Ninikanwa Okey-Uche (Nigerian Consul General in South Africa), Kimiebi Ebienfa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson), Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Foreign Affairs Minister), President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), and the Border Management Agency (South African immigration authority).
Data Snapshot
- 268 Nigerians on the inaugural Air Peace flight.
- Approximately 1,000 Nigerians registered for repatriation; >500 screened.
- Unemployment >30 percent in South Africa.
- Migrants <10 percent of the national population.
- At least 12 African migrants reported killed in the latest wave, including two Nigerians.
Official Statements
Nigerian officials stressed that migrants are being scapegoated and called for arrests of perpetrators. The ministry pledged full funding for the evacuation and warned that retaliatory measures are under legislative consideration. President Ramaphosa announced new measures targeting illegal migration, including criminalising the employment of undocumented workers, establishing dedicated courts for deportations and creating a biometric database. The Border Management Agency noted that none of the evacuees possessed legal residency documents.
Criticism & Opposition
Consul General Okey-Uche condemned the narrative that migrants cause systemic failures and urged South African authorities to act against “people propagating these xenophobic attacks.” Analysts observed that migration has become a campaign issue ahead of South Africa’s November local-government elections, with some politicians allegedly exploiting anti-foreigner sentiment for electoral gain.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police reports cite two Mozambican deaths, whereas Mozambican authorities allege a higher casualty count. No official South African death toll has been released for the recent attacks. The exact number of Nigerians on the flight varies across sources, with some reports omitting the figure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm leaving because of the conditions they've given us here. They say we must leave on or before 30th June. And because of the way they are killing people, killing our brothers, so I'm not safe,” — Justin, Nigerian passenger.
- “So, migrants are basically being scapegoated," Okey-Uche added.” — Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Consul General.
- “There are a lot of top South African politicians who have spoken up against what's happening, saying it's absolutely wrong.” — Ninikanwa Okey-Uche.
- “only authorised government officials can act against violations of our law.” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa.
- “The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said on Monday that Nigeria was “unhappy” with South Africa and that the Nigerian government may consider retaliatory measures.” — Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
What’s Next
South Africa’s November local-government elections are expected to intensify political debate over migration. The Nigerian government has signalled readiness for additional evacuation flights and is evaluating possible legislative responses. President Ramaphosa plans to dispatch envoys to African partners to discuss long-term solutions addressing the root causes of migration, including conflict, instability and economic hardship.
