Nigeria is making arrangements to return citizens living in South Africa who choose to come back voluntarily, following growing alarm over a rise in xenophobic violence.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed that about 130 Nigerians have already signed up for the planned evacuation, with more registrations expected as reports of attacks on African migrants continue to circulate widely on social media.
In recent weeks, South Africa has witnessed an increase in anti-immigrant sentiment, with some groups blaming foreign nationals for unemployment and pressure on public services. These tensions have led to protests, intimidation of migrant-owned shops, and sporadic assaults in various areas.
Nigeria has officially summoned the acting South African High Commissioner and is expected to raise the matter during a diplomatic engagement scheduled for Monday. Authorities have warned that failure to curb the attacks could put strain on relations between both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised that the safety of Nigerian citizens and their businesses must be protected, adding that the government is collaborating with South African authorities while also gathering information on affected nationals ahead of voluntary evacuation plans.
Other African communities are also being affected by the unrest, showing that the issue extends beyond Nigerians.
Ghana has issued safety guidance to its citizens in South Africa, advising them to remain cautious and, in some cases, temporarily suspend business operations. Ghanaian authorities have also engaged South African officials after a video surfaced showing a Ghanaian national being confronted over immigration status.
These developments are unfolding alongside wider diplomatic tensions involving South Africa. Relations with the United States have also been strained, with former President Donald Trump drawing criticism for repeating contested claims about “white genocide” linked to South Africa’s land reform policies—statements Pretoria has described as misleading and inflammatory.