Nigeria has approved the evacuation of more than 500 of its citizens from South Africa following a fresh wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu has authorised five evacuation flights to bring home Nigerians who have been screened and cleared for departure, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The flights will be operated by Air Peace, a Nigerian airline. The first aircraft is expected to leave Johannesburg on Wednesday, carrying about 270 passengers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed the presidential approval and said arrangements were already underway.
The decision comes after renewed unrest in parts of South Africa, where foreign-owned shops were reportedly attacked and several migrants killed in violence linked to xenophobic sentiment.
Nigeria’s mission in Pretoria said the screening of nationals who registered for evacuation has been extended until Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to ensure all eligible citizens are accounted for before the flights commence.
Authorities say they are continuing to monitor the situation closely as diplomatic efforts continue between both countries.
