Nigeria evacuation xenophobic attacks South Africa screening concludes as government prepares flights to repatriate citizens amid rising unrest

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that screening for citizens registered for evacuation from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks will conclude on Saturday, marking a critical step in efforts to repatriate affected nationals.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noting that the exercise began on Thursday and is being jointly conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police, and immigration authorities.

Ebienfa said the screening process is designed to establish the exact number of Nigerians cleared for evacuation before final arrangements are made for aircraft deployment to bring them back to Nigeria.

“The screening exercise of Nigerians in South Africa that have registered to be evacuated will end today (Saturday). The process commenced on Thursday, 4th May, and it is a joint exercise by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, the South African Police, and Immigration,” he stated.

“At the end of the screening, we will have a definite figure of those who have been cleared for evacuation. Thereafter, the government will finalise the details about deployment of aircraft to bring them home.”

The Nigeria evacuation xenophobic attacks South Africa effort comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-foreigner unrest in parts of South Africa, which has triggered widespread concern among migrant communities and revived long-standing fears linked to previous outbreaks of violence dating back to 2008.

The recurring tensions have often been fuelled by allegations among some South African citizens that migrants contribute to unemployment and strain public services, claims that have repeatedly escalated into attacks on foreign-owned businesses, looting, and destruction of property.

Authorities have also reported that the latest wave of unrest has affected schools, with cases of bullying and harassment directed at foreign children heightening anxiety among affected families.

In response, the Federal Government had earlier announced plans to evacuate willing Nigerians who feel unsafe, prioritising their security amid deteriorating conditions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that 130 Nigerians initially registered for evacuation, although later reports indicate that the number of those seeking voluntary repatriation may have risen to more than 1,000.

As the screening exercise concludes, authorities are expected to finalise logistics for evacuation flights, with officials stressing that the safety of citizens remains the government’s primary concern.

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The development underscores the persistent challenges facing Nigerian migrants in South Africa and the broader diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting citizens caught in cycles of xenophobic violence.