FG Evacuates More Nigerians As South Africa’s Deportation Threat Deepens Regional Tension

• Federal Government confirms another 83 Nigerians will return from South Africa on August 19, bringing fresh attention to the worsening security concerns facing Nigerians amid rising Afrophobia.

• Latest evacuation, funded by private philanthropists, follows the conclusion of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme that has already brought home nearly 1,490 Nigerians.

• South Africa’s anti-immigration movement, March and March, has issued a fresh September 30 ultimatum demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country, while threatening a nationwide protest.

• Nigeria says it will continue engaging South African authorities to tackle the root causes of Afrophobia even as President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns violence and discrimination against foreign nationals.

August 18, () — The Federal Government has announced the evacuation of another 83 Nigerians from South Africa, as fresh anti-foreigner threats and a new ultimatum issued by a controversial anti-immigration movement heighten fears over the safety of foreign nationals in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

reports that the returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, aboard a South African Airways flight departing OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and scheduled to land in Lagos at approximately 8:45 p.m.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the latest evacuation was made possible through the sponsorship of flight tickets by public-spirited private individuals, describing the intervention as a remarkable example of public-private partnership in responding to humanitarian emergencies affecting Nigerians abroad.

According to the ministry, the latest operation comes after the successful conclusion of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme, under which nearly 1,490 Nigerians returned home following weeks of escalating Afrophobic attacks, anti-migrant protests and growing hostility toward foreign nationals in South Africa.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that a new batch of 83 Nigerian nationals will arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, via South African Airways,” the statement said.

It noted that the Federal Government deeply appreciated the generosity of the private individuals whose financial support ensured the safe return of the evacuees.

The ministry reiterated that protecting Nigerians wherever they reside remains a central pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Citizen Diplomacy agenda, describing Nigerians in the diaspora as critical contributors to national development whose welfare and dignity must be safeguarded.

It also urged corporate organisations, state governments, philanthropic foundations, members of the organised private sector and Nigerians living abroad to emulate the intervention by supporting future consular emergency operations.

Beyond the immediate evacuation efforts, the ministry said Nigeria would continue to strengthen diplomatic engagement with South Africa and other partner countries to address the underlying causes of Afrophobia, insisting that acts of discrimination and violence against foreign nationals must be condemned while perpetrators are held accountable.

The latest evacuation announcement coincided with renewed anxiety in South Africa after the anti-immigration organisation, March and March, unveiled a fresh September 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

The group announced the ultimatum during a protest in Durban held alongside the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Marching through central Durban under the slogan, “It’s Time To Fetch Your People,” the organisation called on African leaders attending the summit to prepare for what it described as the “massive deportation” of undocumented migrants from South Africa.

Spokesperson Sandile Dube accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration of failing to adequately address illegal immigration and warned that the September mobilisation would become the “mother of all National Day of Action” protests.

The movement also urged South Africans to report undocumented foreigners suspected of criminal activity to law enforcement agencies, maintaining that its nationwide campaign would continue until government responded to its demands.

The renewed mobilisation follows similar nationwide demonstrations staged on June 30, some of which were accompanied by security operations, attacks and incidents of looting in parts of the country.

Despite acknowledging public concerns over irregular migration, the South African government has consistently maintained that immigration laws must be enforced through lawful institutions rather than vigilantism.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned attacks targeting foreign nationals, saying South Africa could not advocate African integration at regional summits while tolerating discrimination and violence on its streets.

“We are deeply ashamed that people from other countries have suffered ill-treatment and that others have been forced to leave the country because of threats of violence,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that while concerns over undocumented migration were legitimate, they should not be exploited to justify xenophobia or lawlessness, arguing that South Africa’s broader socio-economic challenges—including unemployment, crime, poverty and pressure on public services—cannot be blamed solely on migrants.

The latest September 30 deadline has nevertheless heightened concerns across the continent, with analysts warning that any escalation could trigger fresh diplomatic tensions and additional evacuations by African governments seeking to protect their citizens.