Nigeria Evacuates Citizens as South Africa Rejects Compensation Claims

The Government of Nigeria has repatriated 859 citizens from South Africa since June 11, 2026, following a surge in xenophobic attacks. The violence intensified after a June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups, such as March on March, which demanded the departure of African immigrants. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg reported multiple deaths of its nationals, alleging that some were tortured or killed by the Tshwane Metro Police and the South African National Defence Force.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the continuation of voluntary evacuations beyond the June 30 deadline. By July 3, a third batch of 268 citizens arrived in Lagos via an Air Peace charter flight. A fourth flight is scheduled to depart Lagos for Johannesburg on July 7, 2026, to return an additional 270 citizens on July 8.

Diplomatic tensions have risen over property losses. Acting High Commissioner Temitope Ajayi began documenting abandoned businesses and assets to seek reparations. However, South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni rejected these demands, stating that the government will not provide compensation for structures in illegal informal settlements. Ntshavheni advised that legally registered properties be sold on the open market and instead challenged Nigeria to provide information on the locations of Nigerian-run drug dens to help clean the country.