Nigeria has initiated an emergency airlift operation to evacuate its citizens from South Africa, where a surge in xenophobic attacks has resulted in fatalities and widespread destruction of businesses. The Nigerian Consulate, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), is offering free repatriation flights to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.
Rising Violence and Fear
Violence targeting foreign nationals has spread across major South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The unrest involves looting, destruction of shops, and physical assaults on foreign nationals, particularly small business owners. Many Nigerian traders have shut down operations and remain indoors to avoid attacks.
NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu confirmed that numerous Nigerians have expressed interest in leaving due to safety concerns and business disruptions. “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently,” Onyekwelu stated, noting that the process is ongoing.
Casualties Reported
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerians lost their lives in separate incidents linked to the violence. Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche reported that victim Amaramiro Emmanuel died after an alleged assault involving members of the South African National Defence Force on April 20. Another Nigerian, Ekpenyong Andrew, was found dead after an encounter with the metro police in Pretoria.
Videos circulating online show groups chanting anti-foreigner slogans and confronting foreign-owned businesses. In one clip, a Nigerian trader was told to leave the country despite having lived there for years. Many business owners report heavy losses as shops are looted or destroyed.
Trader Accounts and Fear
“We are living in fear. No one dares open their shop,” said a Nigerian trader in Johannesburg who requested anonymity. Another trader, Yemisi Adewale, described narrowly escaping an attack: “They are targeting Nigerians and Ghanaians. Once they identify you as a foreigner, they attack, loot and destroy your goods.”
The Nigerian Mission in South Africa is working with community leaders to identify and assist citizens in high-risk areas. While the violence has caused panic, some community leaders note that it remains limited to certain areas, mostly informal settlements where small-scale traders operate.
Official Response
South African police have condemned the attacks, calling them illegal and against the country’s constitutional principles. The Nigerian government says it is closely monitoring the situation, with ongoing discussions between its foreign affairs officials and South African authorities.
This latest development highlights recurring tensions around immigration and economic competition in South Africa, where foreign nationals, especially from other African countries, have often been targeted during periods of unrest. The Nigerian government continues to urge its citizens to exercise caution and register with the consulate for assistance.
