Xenophobia: Nigeria Urges Citizens to Leave South Africa
Nigeria has urged citizens in South Africa to use the remaining evacuation flights as security concerns continue following xenophobic attacks.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians in South Africa who feel unsafe to use the remaining evacuation flights before the exercise ends on July 10 as Xenophobic attacks grows stronger.
The Nigeria evacuation flights remain available for citizens wishing to return home as concerns grow over continued xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The advisory follows the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, which have heightened fears about the security situation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu announced the final call for documentation in a post on her verified X account. She said the government had asked South African authorities to urgently investigate the killings and ensure those responsible face justice.
The minister warned that there are still no clear signs of improvement in the security situation. She urged anyone who believes their safety is at risk to register immediately for the remaining Nigeria evacuation flights, rather than waiting until the exercise has ended.
“There are no signs that the situation is improving,” she said.
She also recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an extension of the evacuation programme beyond the original June 30 deadline after the successful completion of the first three operations. The fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, while another chartered aircraft is scheduled to depart Lagos for Johannesburg on July 7. The final Nigeria evacuation flights will arrive in South Africa on July 10 to bring back more citizens.
The minister encouraged Nigerians who have not yet decided whether to remain or return to carefully consider the risks. She stressed that while damaged property and lost investments can be replaced, lives cannot. She also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and taking every necessary step to safeguard their welfare.
Will more Nigerians choose to return home before the final evacuation flight departs?
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