Xenophobia: Federal Government to Evacuate 65 Nigerians from South Africa on Wednesday

In a swift response to the escalating threats to the lives and properties of Nigerians residing in South Africa, the Federal Government has finalized arrangements to evacuate 65 citizens back to the country. According to official reports from diplomatic channels, the returnees are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. This emergency repatriation comes on the heels of renewed anti-foreigner sentiments and physical hostilities targeting African immigrants in several South African metropolitan hubs.

The evacuation exercise, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and emergency response agencies, is aimed at securing vulnerable Nigerians before the hostilities spiral out of control. Government sources indicate that the returnees consist majorly of those whose businesses were decimated or who expressed immediate safety concerns amid the latest wave of unrest.

While the South African authorities have continually pledged to curb the violence, Nigerian community leaders on the ground argue that local law enforcement has been slow to react, leaving foreign businesses exposed. The 65 individuals represent the first batch of evacuees under this emergency window, with officials monitoring the situation to determine if subsequent flights will be necessary.