Nigeria to evacuate 1,000 from South Africa by June 30

The Nigerian government has pledged to evacuate all citizens wishing to leave South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups, Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced on Thursday. The evacuation effort comes amid a wave of targeted attacks and harassment against migrants, including Nigerians, in South Africa.

The first group of 258 Nigerian nationals was successfully repatriated on June 11, arriving at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. According to the minister, approximately 1,000 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, meaning over 740 more are expected to be brought home in the coming days. A second planned flight was postponed this week, but four more repatriation flights are scheduled.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that President Bola Tinubu has directed that all Nigerians facing danger in South Africa who have voluntarily indicated a willingness to return must be assisted to leave before the deadline. She emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring no citizen is left behind. The minister described the plight of some affected Nigerians, noting that some have South African spouses and children who are also being...