Nigeria Evacuates Citizens Amid South Africa Xenophobic Violence

The Government of Nigeria is conducting emergency evacuations of its citizens from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic violence and looting by anti-immigrant vigilante groups. These groups, including Operation Dudula and March and March, imposed a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. The crisis has seen over 20 Nigerians killed since late 2025, according to the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the evacuation program, but logistical failures have slowed the process. While approximately 1,000 Nigerians registered for repatriation, only 324 have returned as of late June: 258 arrived in Lagos on June 11 and 66 arrived on June 24. The second batch was facilitated by ValueJet after the designated carrier, Air Peace, refused to fly until the government confirmed payment for rescue flights.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has criticized South Africa for failing to activate a 2025 memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms to protect foreign nationals. Nigeria has warned it may review the status of over 120 South African companies operating within its borders, including MTN and MultiChoice. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the xenophobia but pledged to strengthen border controls to end illegal migration.

Over 700 Nigerians remain stranded in South Africa, some reporting homelessness and humiliation during screening. Other nations, including Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi, and Mozambique, have also begun evacuating their nationals from the region.