Xenophobia: FG Processing Additional Flights to Evacuate Nigerians from South Africa as June 30 Deadline Nears

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS NGR

The Federal Government is finalising arrangements to evacuate another batch of Nigerians stranded in South Africa as concerns grow over planned anti-immigrant protests scheduled for June 30.

Government sources confirmed that more evacuation flights are being processed to bring home Nigerians who have indicated a willingness to return amid fears of possible xenophobic violence.

So far, more than 300 Nigerians have been evacuated in two separate operations. The Federal Government facilitated the return of 268 citizens, while another 66 were airlifted through a privately funded intervention.

The latest move follows threats issued by anti-immigration vigilante groups in South Africa, which have called on undocumented foreign nationals, particularly black Africans, to leave the country by June 30. The threats have heightened fears of renewed xenophobic attacks despite strong condemnation from the South African government, which has deployed police and military personnel to maintain security across the country.

More Flights Being Arranged

Presidency sources said the government is working on additional evacuation flights as the deadline approaches but clarified that flight schedules circulating on social media were not official.

According to one source, a request for another evacuation flight has already been submitted, with financial and logistical arrangements currently being finalised.

The source explained that the initial evacuation plan catered for about 300 people, based on the number of Nigerians who had initially registered their interest in returning home. However, more Nigerians have since indicated their willingness to leave South Africa, increasing the number of prospective evacuees.

The source also disclosed that the most recent privately organised evacuation primarily assisted vulnerable persons, including women and children.

Officials noted that the increase in the number of applicants now requires proper profiling and documentation before additional flights can be scheduled.

“The issue is not funding but the process,” one of the sources said, explaining that authorities must verify the identities of intending returnees and complete the necessary travel documentation before approving further evacuations.

Foreign Ministry Confirms Ongoing Efforts

Confirming the government’s efforts, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians who wish to return home are evacuated safely.

He stated that more evacuation flights are currently being processed and promised that updates would be provided as arrangements progress.

Over 1,000 Nigerians Still Await Evacuation

Meanwhile, anxiety continues to mount among Nigerians stranded in South Africa, with more than 1,000 people reportedly still awaiting evacuation.

The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the evacuation process.

He said while 268 Nigerians were evacuated on the first government flight and another 66 departed through a private arrangement, over 1,000 registered Nigerians are still waiting to be airlifted.

Onyekwelu expressed hope that additional flights approved by the Nigerian government would accommodate those remaining.

Harsh Living Conditions

He described the conditions facing stranded Nigerians as increasingly difficult, noting that many have been displaced from their homes and are struggling to survive.

According to him, several Nigerians who travelled from distant provinces to Johannesburg for evacuation have exhausted their resources and are now taking refuge in churches, community halls and other temporary shelters.

He added that South Africa’s winter weather has worsened their situation, exposing women and children to severe cold and increasing health risks.

Many of the stranded citizens, he said, no longer have enough money to buy food or basic hygiene products after waiting for weeks for evacuation arrangements.

Although members of the Nigerian community have continued to provide food, groceries and other essential supplies, Onyekwelu stressed that the assistance is only temporary and appealed to the government to fast-track the evacuation process.

He said many families are currently living in overcrowded conditions, with as many as 10 to 15 people sharing a single room or hall while waiting for confirmation of their departure dates.

Nigerians Advised to Exercise Caution

Ahead of the planned June 30 protests, NICASA has urged Nigerians across South Africa to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.

Onyekwelu said the association has been working closely with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa to circulate safety advisories and coordinate information with security agencies.

He advised Nigerians to limit unnecessary movement, secure their homes and businesses, and remain in constant communication with family members.

Business owners have also been urged to close their shops on the day of the planned protests, remove valuables from their premises to reduce the risk of looting, and stay indoors where possible.

He further advised Nigerians to avoid protest venues, refrain from confronting demonstrators, stay away from identified hotspots and postpone non-essential travel within the country.

According to him, intelligence reports suggest isolated attacks or looting could begin before June 30, prompting the association to place members on high alert.

“We continue to encourage Nigerians to remain law-abiding, avoid any confrontation with protesters and immediately report any security concerns through the approved communication channels,” he said.

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2026-06-27

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