THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Nigeria targets South Africa with economic and diplomatic threats ... Nigerian lawmakers have called for firm diplomatic and economic measures against South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence that has reportedly claimed the lives of Nigerian citizens. Nigeria targets South Africa with economic and diplomatic threats over xenophobic attacks Nigerian Lawmakers have demanded strong diplomatic and economic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic violence. Lawmakers instructed Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to press South African authorities for better protection. The House also proposed suspending diplomatic ties, trade, and aviation agreements, plus restrictions on South African businesses in Nigeria. The attacks have fueled pan-African outrage, prompting calls for the Pan-African Parliament to step up anti-xenophobia measures. ADVERTISEMENT Recommended articles lifestyle Uk tightens grip on Russia networks, flags Nigeria-linked entity in sanctions list lifestyle Africa’s 3rd richest Man, Abdulsamad Rabiu’s latest acquisition is Africa’s first Bombardier Global 8000 jet lifestyle World's longest-serving president orders cabinet shakeup as governmen…

FG evacuates 262 Nigerians from South Africa amid Xenophobic violence https://www.europesays.com/africa/278910/ The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerian nationals…

Xenophobia: Nigeria offers free evacuation flights as anti-foreigner ... The Nigerian Consulate and Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) are offering free repatriation flights to Nigerians willing to return home permanently. Violence targeting foreigners has spread across cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, leading to looting and business shutdowns. Two Nigerians were killed in separate incidents, according to the Nigerian Consulate, raising concerns among the diaspora community. Many Nigerians are living in fear, with traders reporting attacks, losses, and staying indoors to avoid being targeted. Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has begun offering free repatriation flights to its citizens who want to return home, following afresh wave of anti-foreigner violence in parts of the country. The move is being coordinated by the Nigerian Consulate alongside the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), as fear spreads among Nigerians living and working in major cities. NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed that many Nigerians have already shown interest in leaving due to safety concerns and disruption to their business…

Nigeria: Xenophobia - Govt, Evacuees Slam South Africa Over ... The Federal Government and 268 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa have rejected claims by Pretoria that all those returned to the country, yesterday, were undocumented, blaming delays on South Africa's Home Affairs system for pushing many illegal status. The evacuees accused the South African government of delibrately delaying renewing their work permits and other documents, to have a reason to clampdown on Nigerians, while their security agencies extort them. The Federal Government , has, meanwhile, pledged to activate the Nigeria-South Africa Binational Commission and the newly established Early Warning mechanism in order to respond faster to future threats against Nigerians in South Africa. Also, some of the evacuees put the blame of their irregular status on the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria, saying that bureaucratic bottlenecks within the Commission further frustrated efforts to regularise their stay in South Africa. Keep up with the latest headlines onWhatsApp|LinkedIn Recall that the South African authorities had shortly before the departure of the evacuees from OR Tambo International Airport on Wednes…

Nigeria says 130 citizens seek repatriation after latest anti ... South Africans protest against illegal migration, in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria will repatriate 130 Nigerians living in South Africa after anew wave of anti-immigration protestsin that country, according to the foreign minister, who summoned South Africa’s top representative there on Monday to express concern. Nigeria’s foreign minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the repatriation effort as voluntary and said more people were expected to sign up. Odumegwu-Ojukwu was meeting with South Africa’s acting high commissioner to convey the Nigerian government’s “profound concern.” No Nigerians were killed in last week’s protests against migrants in South Africa, who have been targeted over the years and accused of taking jobs in a country with high unemployment. South African officials have condemned the violence and promised to crack down on “xenophobic acts.” Separately, South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, said he had a phone conversation with his Nigerian counterpart to reflect on the “challenges posed by irregular migration”…

What Nigeria can do to stop attacks on citizens in South Africa https://www.europesays.com/africa/319136/ A FORMER Nigerian diplomat, Iliya Gadu, has urged the Federal Government to consider recalling its High Commissioner to…

Nigeria to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa ... Nigeria says it will repatriate more than 1,000 of its nationals from South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions rise in the country. Screening for Nigeria's voluntary repatriation scheme started on Thursday, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry told reporters. In a communique dated Tuesday, Nigeria's High Commission in Pretoria said it had "negotiated waivers with host authorities" so that those with "immigration-related offences" would be allowed to leave on the eventual repatriation flights rather than be detained. The move comes after Ghana recently helped hundreds of its citizens leave South Africa in response to a wave of protests and violence targeting foreigners. One of the continent’s most industrialised nations, South Africa has long attracted workers from across the region. But now with an unemployment rate of more than 30 percent, it has seen repeated bursts of xenophobic protests -- including renewed violence in recent weeks. The latest tensions have revived debates across Africa about xenophobia, migration and the gap between pan-African rhetoric and realities facing migration on the con…

Nigeria to deploy five evacuation flights as South Africa tensions trigger repatriation push https://www.europesays.com/africa/274901/ For decades, South Africa has been one of the top destinations for Africans seeking economic opportunities beyond…

Nigeria: South Africa Slams 5-Yr Ban On 268 Nigerian Returnees Over Illegal Stay [Vanguard] South African government has slammed a five-year travel ban on the 268 Nigerians cleared for repatriation after declaring them illegal residents.

Nigeria evacuates citizens from South Africa as anti-migrant sentiment rises Nigeria is the latest African state to repatriate citizens following reports of xenophobic attacks.

More than 1,000 Nigerians seek return from South Africa after attacks ... More than 1,000 Nigerians seek return from South Africa after attacks, Nigeria says Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Displaced migrants shelter in a hall, following an escalation in anti-immigrant protests which heightened fears among foreign communities, in Kleinmond, South Africa, June 3, 2026. REUTERS/Esa Alexander Published Jun 05, 2026, 11:01 PM Updated Jun 05, 2026, 11:01 PM Listen ABUJA, June 5 - At least 1,094 Nigerians have registered interest in voluntary return from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, up from 130 previously seeking repatriation, with a joint screening process under way to determine eligibility, Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said on Friday. • The screening by foreign ministry officials from both countries and South African immigration and police will conclude on Tuesday, with only those cleared to be repatriated and final numbers and flights set thereafter, Ebienfa told Reuters. • South African authorities have agreed to waive penalties for visa violations such as overstays, though individuals facing criminal charges will not…

Nigerians return home from South Africa after migrant protests | AP … Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa, following concerns about unrest, reacts upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa, following concerns about unrest, arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa, following concerns about unrest, arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — The first group of Nigerians returned home from South Africa on Thursday as part of repatriation ordered by the government followingviolent anti-immigration protests. A total of 262 passengers and three officials were on board the flight to Lagos, according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The…

Nigeria: Govt to Stem Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration As Over 1,000 Nigerians Return From Crisis Routes [This Day] Abuja -- The Federal Government has unveiled a renewed strategy to curb irregular migration and dismantle human trafficking networks, warning that worsening economic hardship and the growing use of digital platforms by traffickers are exposing more Nigerians, particularly women and young people, to exploitation across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Africa: Govt to Repatriate Over 1,000 Nigerians From South Africa [Vanguard] Nigeria is planning to repatriate more than 1,000 of its nationals from South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions rise in the country, long a destination for documented and undocumented African workers.

Nigeria Evacuates 258 Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic ... Nigeria Evacuates 258 Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks, Says Move Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment to Citizens Abroad By Caroline Ameh June 11, 2026 The Federal Government has evacuated the first batch of 258 Nigerian nationals from the Republic of South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, in a coordinated emergency operation that landed them safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning. The special evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, arrived at about 10:25 a.m., marking the first phase of a broader repatriation exercise expected to continue in the coming days. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad in times of crisis. The returnees were escorted from South Africa by officials of the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Alexander Ajayi. They were received on arrival by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola E…

Nigeria seeks compensation from South Africa over abandoned assets Nigeria seeks compensation from South Africa after dozens of its citizens voluntarily returned home amid recent anti-immigration tensions, leaving behind businesses, vehicles and other property. Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone! All Africa reports that Nigerian officials say they are documenting these abandoned assets before formally approaching the South African government to discuss possible compensation.  According to Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, the process follows the latest voluntary repatriation programme ahead of the 30 June anti-immigration protests. Alexander Ajayi said discussions with South African officials had already started. ‘We are going to ask our people who are returning to begin to document what they are leaving behind, ‘ he said. He said returnees had been instructed to record businesses, vehicles and both movable and immovable property before departing. ‘ We can …

FG to Demand Compensation for Nigerians' Abandoned Businesse FG to demand compensation for abandoned Nigerians’ businesses, property in South Africa June 30, 2026 1:03 pm 271 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive Lagos By Samuel Omotere Kindly share this story: Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, says the Federal Government will seek compensation for businesses and properties abandoned by Nigerians returning from South Africa under its voluntary evacuation programme. Ajayi disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, as another batch of Nigerians was expected to arrive in Lagos aboard an evacuation flight organised by the Federal Government. He said those being repatriated voluntarily opted to return home ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests, adding that the government had already begun documenting businesses and properties left behind by returnees. “In terms of the businesses, just three days ago, myself and the South African Deputy Minister of Finance were together, and we were discussing this. I took up the discussion with her, and we have agreed that we are going to ask our people who are…

Nigeria gives update on planned repatriation of over 1,000 citizens from South Africa <img width="680" height="632" src="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/03/Nigeria-embassy-in-South-Africa.jpg?fit=680%2C632&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Nigeria embassy in South Africa" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/03/Nigeria-embassy-in-South-Africa.jpg?w=680&amp;ssl=1 680w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/03/Nigeria-embassy-in-South-Africa.jpg?resize=376%2C349&amp;ssl=1 376w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /><p>The repatriation programme follows growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa after recent anti-immigrant protests in parts of the country.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/foreign/west-africa-foreign/885636-nigeria-gives-update-on-planned-repatriation-of-over-1000-citizens-from-south-africa.html">Nigeria gives update on planned repatriation of over 1,000 citizens from South Africa</a> ap…

Nigeria: Repatriated Nigerians Warn Compatriots Against Migration to South Africa, Say Country Not Safe [Leadership] Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks have warned their compatriots against migrating to the Southern African nation, describing it as unsafe for foreigners and a place where many Nigerians live in constant fear.

Nigeria moves to repatriate 1,000 citizens from South Africa The governments of Nigeria and Ghana are offering to fly citizens home from South Africa after a spate of anti-migrant attacks.

Nigeria: Xenophobia - 268 Nigerians Return From South Africa Today [Leadership] Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the first batch of 268 Nigerian returnees from the Republic of South Africa at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, following the consistent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in the former apartheid enclave.

Xenophobia: FG to Deploy Aircraft to Evacuate Nigerians in South Africa ... Michael Olugbode in Abuja The federal government is set to move to the next phase of its emergency repatriation plan for Nigerians stranded in South Africa, with arrangements for the deployment of aircraft expected to commence immediately after the screening exercise that ended yesterday. The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a message to journalists on a WhatsApp group, disclosed that the verification process, which began on Thursday, was being jointly conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); the South African Police Service and immigration authorities to determine those eligible for evacuation. He noted that the exercise was expected to produce a definitive figure of Nigerians cleared for return, enabling authorities to finalise logistics for the airlift operation. “At the end of the screening, we will have a definite figure that has been cleared for evacuation. Thereafter, the government will finalise the details about the deployment of aircraft to bring them home,” Ebienfa sai…

Nigeria Threatens to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences Over Xenophobic Attacks ... Nigeria’s Parliament has escalated diplomatic tensions with South Africa, threatening punitive economic measures against some of the continent’s largest technology and telecom companies including South Africa’s MTN Group and MultiChoice (owner of DStv) in response to recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerian citizens living in South Africa. The Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives this week condemned what lawmakers described as persistent Afrophobic attacks, harassment and alleged killings of Nigerians in South Africa. During a heated debate in the Senate, some legislators called for retaliatory economic measures against South Africa, including sanctions and restrictions on major South African companies operating in Nigeria such as MTN and DStv . Former Edo State governor and senior senator Adams Oshiomhole was among those who argued that Nigeria could no longer continue responding with silence while Nigerians were allegedly being attacked and humiliated in South Africa. Other lawmakers proposed a review of bilateral agreements between the two countries and called for the Africa…

More Nigerians return from S’Africa as FG confirms evacuation flight https://www.europesays.com/africa/308002/ The federal government has confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying Nigerians back from South Africa is expected to…

Nigeria to airlift citizens out of South Africa as xenophobic attacks flare up again https://worldbriefly.news/nigeria-to-airlift-citizens-out-of-south-africa-as-xenophobic-attacks-flare-up-a #NigeriaEvacuation #SouthAfricaXenophobia #SudanEthiopia

FG to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from S/Africa - NiDCOM The Federal Government is set to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa following a screening exercise conducted for citizens seeking voluntary return. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in Abuja on Saturday. According to her, the screening exercise is being jointly conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. Dabiri-Erewa said the exercise entered its third day on Saturday, with a large turnout of Nigerians seeking to participate in the voluntary evacuation programme. She noted that the process has been orderly and professionally managed under the supervision of Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Olatunde Ajayi. The NiDCOM boss said more than 1,000 Nigerians had already registered for the evacuation, adding that registration was still ongoing. She further disclosed that flights for the repatriation are expected to commence next week through Air Peace after President Bola Tinubu approved funds for the exercise. According to …

Air Peace Completes Evacuation, Flies Home 533 Nigerians from South ... Air Peace has completed its second humanitarian evacuation mission from South Africa, airlifting 271 stranded Nigerians back to Lagos as part of the Federal government’s emergency response to rising anti-immigrant tensions and fears of xenophobic violence in the Southern African country. The evacuation flight, operated with the airline’s flagship Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft, departed Johannesburg and landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 10:35am on Tuesday. The aircraft later docked at the airport’s Cargo and Hajj Terminal, where the returnees underwent immigration and other arrival formalities before being received by officials of the Federal Government. The latest operation was coordinated by the Federal government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa amid anti-immigrant protests and calls by campaign groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. With the latest evacuation, Air Peace has transported a total of 533 Nigerians to safety under the ongoing South Africa …

Nigeria seek compensation for citizens who abandoned businesses amid ... The Federal Government says it will engage the South African government to seek compensation for Nigerians who were forced to abandon businesses and properties while returning home amid rising anti-immigrant protests. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, disclosed this during a television interview as another batch of Nigerians prepared to arrive in Lagos under the Federal Government’s voluntary evacuation programme. Ajayi explained that the ongoing repatriation exercise is for Nigerians who voluntarily chose to return home ahead of planned anti-immigrant demonstrations in parts of South Africa. He stressed that the government’s intervention would not end with evacuating affected citizens but would also focus on protecting their economic interests. According to him, the Nigerian mission has begun documenting businesses, vehicles, and other movable and immovable assets left behind by returnees to support any future compensation claims. “Just three days ago, I met with the South African Deputy Minister of Finance, and we discussed the issue,” Ajayi said. “We have agreed that Niger…

Nigeria gives update on planned repatriation of over 1,000 citizens from South Africa https://www.europesays.com/africa/272081/ The Federal Government has said Nigerians registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa will not bear the cost…

"Nigeria is the latest African nation to organize such evacuation flights from South Africa. Since April, a series of anti-immigration protests have led to attacks against some foreigners." apnews.com/article/nige...

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria reschedules airlifting of citizens out of ... President Bola Tinubu approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Nigeria’s private airline, Air Peace. The federal government has rescheduled the airlifting of the first batch of Nigerian citizens wanting to leave South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Blacks in the country. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesman for Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. According to the government, the proposed airlifting of the first batch of returnees from South Africa, originally scheduled for Monday (today), has been rescheduled to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical considerations. The statement explained that President Bola Tinubu had approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Nigeria’s private airline, Air Peace. It added that the first flight, expected to transport about 270 passengers, would depart Johannesburg on the evening of the new date, once all necessary permits and clearances have been secured for the aircraft. It also confirmed that the federal government had extended the screening of its citizens willing to be evacuated …

Nigeria: Xenophobia - State Foreign Minister to Receive 268 Nigerians Thursday [Vanguard] Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will on Thursday morning receive 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks in the country.

Africa: Govt to Repatriate Over 1,000 Nigerians From South Africa Nigeria is planning to repatriate more than 1,000 of its nationals from South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions rise in the country, long a destination for documented and undocumented African workers. The move by Abuja comes after Ghana recently repatriated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa in response to a wave of protests and violence targeting foreigners. Screening for Nigeria's voluntary repatriation scheme started Thursday, foreign ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa told AFP on Friday. "Total figure not out yet," he said. "We are expecting over a 1,000 persons." Keep up with the latest headlines onWhatsApp|LinkedIn In a communique dated Tuesday, Nigeria's High Commission in Pretoria said it had "negotiated waivers with host authorities" so that those with "immigration-related offences" would be allowed to leave on the eventual repatriation flights rather than be detained. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised economy, has long attracted workers from across the region. But saddled with an unemployment rate of over 30 percent, it has seen repeated spurts of xenophobic protests -- inclu…

FG Assures Full Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa https://www.europesays.com/africa/290756/ The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated willingness to…

Nearly 3,000 foreigners leave South Africa amid immigration crackdown World News Published By Paul Dada Date 14th June, 2026 Share: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa Quick Read According to the department, many of those who left were found to be in breach of South Africa's immigration regulations through overstaying visas, expired permits and other forms of non-compliance. South Africa has announced that 2,745 foreign nationals have returned to their home countries over the past two weeks, as authorities intensify efforts to enforce immigration laws. The Department of Home Affairs said the departures were facilitated through voluntary repatriation arrangements coordinated with the respective foreign missions. The figure includes 958 Ghanaians, 640 Malawians, 583 Mozambicans, 296 Zimbabweans and 268 Nigerians. According to the department, many of those who left were found to be in breach of South Africa’s immigration regulations through overstaying visas, expired permits and other forms of non-compliance. Deputy Director-General for Operations, Thulani Mavuso, said the process begins when a foreign mission formally requests assistance for the return of its nationals. He expl…

Nigeria: Xenophobic Attacks - Nigeria Reschedules Airlifting of Citizens Willing to Leave S/Africa [Vanguard] The federal government has rescheduled the airlifting of the first batch of Nigerian citizens wanting to leave South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Blacks in the country.

Nigeria, Ghana offer to help citizens leave South Africa The governments of Nigeria and Ghana are offering to fly citizens home from South Africa after a spate of anti-migrant attacks.

Breaking: First Batch of Nigerians Fleeing Xenophobia in South Africa ... Over 200 Nigerians have returned from South Africa due to renewed xenophobic attacks Top Nigerian government officials welcomed the returnees, assuring them of support and reintegration assistance The next evacuations of Nigerians from South Africa are scheduled for June 15, 18, 22, and 24, 2026 Find it fast with our new search feature at Legit.ng! Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues Ikeja, Lagos State - The first set of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The returnees arrived at the Lagos airport around 11 am aboard an Air Peace flight on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Evacuated Nigerians face hope and uncertainty after South Africa. Photo credit: @TheNationNews Source: Twitter As reported by Channels Television , the evacuated Nigerians were welcomed by government officials and others. From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram. Over 200 evacuated Nigerians, including women and children, three go…

Nigeria to repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions rise By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent The Nigerian government has launched an emergency operation to evacuate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa, as concerns mount over […]

Nigeria evacuates citizens from South Africa as anti-migrant sentiment rises Nigeria is the latest African state to repatriate citizens following reports of xenophobic attacks.

By The Associated Press The Associated Press LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — The first group of Nigerians returned home from South Africa on Thursday as part of repatriation ordered by the government following violent anti-immigration protests. A total of 262 passengers and three officials were on board the flight to Lagos, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since April, a series of anti-immigration protests have shaken South Africa, highlight tensions between foreign workers and locals who claim foreigners are taking their jobs. South African officials have condemned the protests as xenophobic acts. The Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the president ordered the “evacuation of imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.” The Associated Press . Make us a preferred source See more Seattle Times content on Google Most Read Nation & World Stories A Trump order asked national park visitors to flag 'negative' historical info. They had other ideas World Cup players and officials are being detained or barred entry into U.S. Nancy Mace's unpredictable career is up in the air after finishing last in South Carolina prim…

FG begins free repatriation of 1000 Nigerians from South Africa Xenophobic Attacks: FG begins free repatriation of 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa By : David Meshioye Date: 7 June 2026 7:56am WAT Share : Follow Us on Google Discover President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu Nigerian officials have said more than 1,000 citizens have registered for evacuation from South Africa and will no longer be required to pay for their return flights to Nigeria. The development follows recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting citizens of several African countries, including Nigerians. The Nigerian government had earlier disclosed that at least 300 Nigerians had indicated interest in returning home from South Africa, with plans for the returnees to fund their own flights. However, on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced that evacuees would no longer bear the cost of transportation. Mr Ebienfa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that the Federal Government would deploy aircraft to bring the returnees home at no cost to them. According to him, the screening of Nigerians in South Africa who registe…

FG Condemns Anti-African Sentiment, Says Retaliation Against South ... Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu. Facebook/Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu Nigeria may be considering retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed hostility towards Nigerians and other black African migrants in the country, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has said. Advertisement <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> The minister voiced Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of its citizens, arguing that the actions being directed at black African migrants were particularly troubling given Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Advertisement “Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, committed resources to aid South Africa. READ ALSO: Nigeria To Repatriate Over 1,000 Nationals From South Africa As Tensions Rise “In schools, seats were reserved for South African students. My own generation, we carried placards. We demonstrated in front of Sou…