The Federal Government has confirmed that at least 130 Nigerians living in South Africa have officially registered for voluntary evacuation following a resurgence of xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests across several South African cities.

The announcement comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed Nigerian diplomatic missions to prioritize the safety and protection of citizens in the wake of the unrest.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the figure in a situation report on Sunday, noting that the number of applicants is expected to rise as registration continues. The minister explained that the Federal Government is currently coordinating with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg to finalize arrangements for repatriation flights for those wishing to return home.

The latest wave of anxiety follows a series of anti-foreigner demonstrations that began in late April 2026, particularly in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. While South African authorities reported that earlier protests between April 27 and April 29 were largely controlled, the Nigerian government expressed “grave concern” over the potential for escalation. Reports of violence and the deaths of at least two Nigerians in recent weeks have further heightened fears within the diaspora community.

In a public advisory issued ahead of a planned nationwide “shutdown” protest scheduled for today, May 4, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, warned citizens to avoid high-pressure areas and stay clear of public gatherings. “The priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” the statement read, emphasizing that the mission is in constant communication with host security services to minimize the exposure of Nigerians to the ongoing tensions.

The Nigerian government has also activated early warning mechanisms under a standing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Africa to address the “repetitive wave” of these attacks. Leaders of Nigerian community organizations have been urged to compile comprehensive lists of those who wish to leave but lack the financial means, as the Federal Government prepares to deploy special evacuation flights similar to those seen during previous xenophobic crises.