No Nigerian Will Be Left Behind In South Africa, Bianca Assures
Nigeria has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks, with the Federal Government assuring that no Nigerian willing to return home will be abandoned.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians in South Africa that everyone willing to return home before the June 30 deadline will be evacuated, as concerns grow over escalating xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that about 1,000 Nigerians have so far registered for evacuation, while the first batch of 258 returnees has already been airlifted to Nigeria.
Speaking on the situation, the minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad, stressing that no citizen exposed to danger and willing to return would be left behind.
She condemned reports of attacks on migrants, including looting of businesses, destruction of property and intimidation by vigilante groups in parts of South Africa, describing the development as deeply troubling.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria is pursuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities but warned that the country may be forced to review its options if the attacks persist.
She pointed out that more than 120 South African companies operate freely in Nigeria without facing similar treatment.
The minister also criticised South Africa’s handling of the crisis, saying the violence has damaged the country’s reputation as a champion of Pan-Africanism.
She revealed that South African authorities had declined to activate a bilateral early warning mechanism signed with Nigeria in October 2025, citing procedural concerns.
Besides Nigeria, countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have also begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa as tensions continue to mount.
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