Nigeria To Evacuate 271 More Citizens From South Africa On Tuesday

The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate another batch of stranded Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed tensions and reported attacks on foreign nationals.

According to Ireporter Online, a total of 271 Nigerians are expected to return to the country in an evacuation flight scheduled to depart Nigeria on Tuesday and arrive back on Wednesday morning. The operation is part of ongoing efforts coordinated by relevant federal authorities to ensure the safe return of citizens affected by the unrest.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the evacuation schedule through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, while the President of Nigeria’s Citizens in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, also noted that the next flight is expected to arrive on Tuesday, with return operations concluding in the early hours of Wednesday.

With the latest movement, the total number of Nigerians evacuated since the resurgence of violence and anti-foreigner protests in South Africa is expected to rise to about 1,130.

The development comes amid heightened diplomatic concerns following the killing of two Nigerians during recent nationwide protests in South Africa.

One of the victims, identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria. Another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop on the same day in Witbank, Mpumalanga. A third case involving Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was reportedly killed on April 20, 2026, has also raised further concern.

In response, the Federal Government has strongly condemned the killings and formally lodged a protest with South African authorities, calling for urgent investigations and accountability. It also criticized alleged inflammatory remarks by some South African officials, warning that such statements could heighten tensions and endanger Nigerian citizens residing in the country.

The government further cautioned that leaders of groups accused of inciting violence against foreigners could face regional and international legal consequences if found culpable.

Authorities in Nigeria have urged South Africa to ensure the protection of all foreign nationals, including Nigerians legally residing in the country, while warning that continued attacks and what it described as discriminatory conduct could compel Nigeria to consider further diplomatic measures.

Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have been advised to remain calm, obey local laws, and avoid volatile areas as diplomatic engagements continue. Citizens at home were also urged not to engage in retaliatory actions, as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful resolution in line with African unity and cooperation.