As reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa continue (into the first week May 2026), Nigeria said it would repatriate its citizens who want to leave.
Nigeria has announced a “voluntary repatriation” program for its citizens in South Africa, following a series of xenophobic incidents in the continent’s most industrialized nation.
Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said on Sunday (May 2, 2026) that 130 people had already registered to return home. “This figure is expected to rise,” she wrote on social media, adding that “Nigerian lives and businesses in SA (South Africa) must not continue to be put at risk.”
Two Nigerians were killed in incidents connected to South African security personnel last month, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Why are Nigerians leaving South Africa?
South Africa has seen an uptick in anti-immigrant rhetoric in recent months. There have been a series of protests led by groups claiming that irregular migration is hurting the country’s economy.
A number of violent attacks have also been reported, mostly targeting Black Africans from other countries.
But experts have warned that immigrants are merely being scapegoated for South Africa’s economic woes, and that the anti-migrant fervor is being driven by populist pundits online.
According to South Africa’s national statistics agency, there are some 3 million immigrants living in the country, roughly 5% of the population, with the majority coming from the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told the press that he had spoken over the phone with Odumegwu-Ojukwu and “We reflected on the challenges posed by irregular migration and committed to working to address the root causes, find common and sustainable solutions to this shared concern.”
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry said that South Africa’s high commissioner in Abuja was set to hold talks with Nigerian representatives on Monday to discuss “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.”
South Africa is set to hold elections on November 4. Odumegwu-Ojukwu blamed anti-foreigner opposition parties for stoking “a repetitive wave” of xenophobic rhetoric “to garner votes.”
Last week, Firoz Cachalia, South Africa’s acting police minister, condemned the anti-migrant violence, saying: “Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” DW
From the Minster’s X page, today and as quoted on USAfricaonline.com
SOUTH AFRICA PROTESTS: SITUATION REPORT. There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the republic of South Africa in recent weeks. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed grave concern on this situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.
The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterized by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speeches and incendiary anti-migrant statements by the arrowheads of such rallies, have generated worldwide condemnation .
However, recent public statements of key host government officials including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Police Affairs Minister Firoz Cachalia, all express total opposition to any form of extra-judicial killing and destruction of properties of foreign nationals as well as anti-foreigner propaganda and xenophobic sentiments which promote or create anarchy in the land. The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, between 27 – 29 April 2026, witnessed a largely peaceful procession, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed teargas to deter the protesters from engaging in violent activity. There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian- owned properties during this particular protest.
However, two Nigerian Nationals have been reported dead in separate incidents involving security personnel- AMAMIRO CHIDIEBERE EMMANUEL died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth. NNAEMEKA MATTHEW ANDREW also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on 20th April 2026. This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable.
Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases. Another Demonstration is planned for 4-8 May 2026 and President Bola Tinubu has directed that the situation be monitored very closely. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria regarding the ongoing situation. The Nigerian High Commission and the Consulate are in constant communication with relevant host authorities to ensure that the exposure of our nationals to the current tensions is minimized amidst ongoing Consultations with SA’s highest authorities.
The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home. So far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise. Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting our mission in this regard. Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa. Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern.
It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner,,,, opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes. Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times such as these.
