The Federal Government will evacuate over 742 Nigerians from South Africa before the June 30 deadline, with the first batch of 258 already safely airlifted amid escalating xenophobic attacks

In Abuja, Nigeria, the Federal Government assured that it will evacuate over 742 remaining Nigerians from South Africa before the June 30 deadline, following the successful airlift of the first batch of 258 citizens.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance in a press statement, stressing that no Nigerian willing to return home amid ongoing anti-migrant attacks would be left behind.

The minister confirmed that about 1,000 Nigerians had registered for evacuation.

The first group of 258 was received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on 11 June by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that all citizens exposed to danger and harassment who voluntarily wish to return should be assisted without delay. The minister said the Tinubu administration remains fully committed to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed serious concern over the harassment of Nigerians, including those married to South Africans with children born in the country.

She highlighted the unequal treatment faced by Nigerians despite the presence of over 120 South African companies, such as MTN, MultiChoice and Stanbic, operating freely in Nigeria.

The minister revealed that South African authorities had failed to activate a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism to protect citizens during tensions.

She noted that countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have also started evacuating their nationals.

Nigeria continues diplomatic engagement while exploring other lawful options in accordance with constitutional provisions.

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The evacuation exercise underscores the government’s determination to protect its citizens as anti-migrant vigilante activities intensify in South Africa.