*As several African countries repatriate their citizens from xenophobic South Africa, the Nigerian Government has disclosed its readiness to fly back another set of Nigerians Tuesday, July 6 over concerns about xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants in the Southern African country
lsola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Nigerian Government has disclosed that another batch of Nigerians will be airlifted back home Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from South Africa, amid indiscriminate xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants.
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated this in a statement she shared on her verified official X handle morning Monday, July 6.
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The Minister stated: “Another evacuation flight will leave for Johannesburg tomorrow, Tuesday, 7th July, to bring home our citizens.”
ConsumerConnect reports the evacuation is the latest in the repatriation exercise, which Nigerian Government has embarked upon for safety of their citizens in the Southern Africa country.
Earlier, three batches of Nigerians had returned home since the evacuation began June this year.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also wrote that the last flight for the evacuation is “expected to arrive in South Africa on 10th July”.
She noted: “Our Nationals are again, advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.”
She also asked Nigerians in South Africa “who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG-sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home.”
The Minister stated: “Following the earlier evacuations of our citizens in three separate operations, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, extended the Evacuations beyond the June 30 deadline, with the fourth evacuation flight having arrived in Nigeria on 3rd July 2026.
“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilise the full capacity of the aircraft.”
She also condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, calling on authorities to “urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.”
Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “There are no signs that the situation is improving.
“Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, and even more so following the deaths of 2 Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during these unfortunate events.”
The diplomat further wrote: “For many still sitting on the fence, they should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad and will put all necessary measures in place to protect them.”
Since the resurgence of the ongoing xenophobic attacks on fellow African migrants, several African countries have repatriated their citizens from South Africa as fringe groups began demanding all illegal migrants leave by June 30.
It is noted that the resurgence of xenophobic attacks on foreigners was sequel to a campaign that saw violent protests and clashes in which foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were killed.
The Border Management Authority says that more than 35,000 people have already been repatriated or deported since June 7.
As regards the rationale for their attacks on Nigerians and other Africans, the “unofficial” groups mobilising against illegal immigrants blame the foreigners for high unemployment and lack of services.
However, experts said the that pressing social problems are largely due to government failures.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian authorities Sunday, July 5, threatened action against South Africa, and said “all options are on the table”, if the renewed spate of attacks against its citizens and their investments in South Africa does not abate.