By our reporter 7.6.2026
Nigeria is in the final phase of evacuating its citizens after the screening of those who have registered to leave South Africa where Xenophobic violence has put their lives in danger.
The screening exercise began on Thursday with the Nigerian High Commission and South African immigration agencies. The exercise was aimed at identifying and confirming the eligibility of Nigerians who indicated interest in returning to the country amid rising security concerns.
With the screening now concluded, authorities are expected to determine the final number of Nigerians cleared for evacuation.
According to the ministry of foreign affairs the evacuations will be at the expense of the government.
“The process, which commenced on June 4, is a joint exercise involving the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as the South African Police and immigration authorities.
“At the end of the screening, we will have a definite number of persons cleared for evacuation.
“Thereafter, we will finalise arrangements for the deployment of aircraft to bring them home,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Ebienfa spoke against the backdrop of the federal government’s preparations to repatriate Nigerians from South Africa under a voluntary evacuation programme, following concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the Southern African country and recent anti-immigrant protests held in parts of the country.