Nigeria Completes Evacuation of 1,490 Citizens from South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the fifth and final phase of a voluntary evacuation brought 1,490 Nigerians home from South Africa. The last flight, operated by Air Peace, landed at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport on July 15, delivering 305 returnees and three government officials who oversaw the operation.

FG Evacuates 1,490 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

A wave of xenophobic assaults targeting foreign nationals erupted across South Africa in June 2026. Nigerian expatriates were among those attacked, and at least two Nigerians were reported dead after alleged assaults by security officials. The violence prompted diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Pretoria to secure the safety of Nigerians residing in the country.

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The evacuation comprised a series of humanitarian flights coordinated by Air Peace and South African Airways. Passenger counts per flight were: 258 on June 10, 66 on June 24, 272 on June 30, 268 on July 2, 282 on July 9, 39 on July 11, and 305 on July 15, culminating in a total of 1,490 evacuees.

FG Evacuates 1,490 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

Foreign-ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa emphasized that the operation reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Citizens’ Diplomacy” policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises protection and dignity for Nigerians abroad. The ministry condemned all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence, while reaffirming strong bilateral ties with South Africa. It also urged Nigerians overseas to obey host-country laws, register with the nearest diplomatic mission, and maintain regular contact to enable timely consular assistance.

FG Evacuates 1,490 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

• “• Despite strong bilateral ties with South Africa, Nigeria's position remains clear: xenophobia, racial intolerance and violence against its citizens are unacceptable, Kimiebi said.” — Kimiebi Ebienfa, Foreign Ministry spokesperson

The Straits Times

• “• Nigeria has condemned violence against its citizens in South Africa, including the deaths of at least two nationals allegedly assaulted by security officials.” — Kimiebi Ebienfa, Foreign Ministry spokesperson

The Straits Times

• “• The government said the evacuation followed talks with South African authorities over security concerns linked to xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians.” — Kimiebi Ebienfa, Foreign Ministry spokesperson

The Straits Times

• “The Federal Government commended Air Peace for its continued support and patriotism throughout the evacuation programme.” — Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson

FG Evacuates 1,490 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

• “The ministry also urged Nigerians residing overseas to obey the laws of their host countries, register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain regular contact with the missions to facilitate timely consular assistance whenever necessary.” — Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson

FG Evacuates 1,490 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks