Nigeria has announced plans to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following a wave of anti-immigrant protests and attacks in several cities. The decision comes after reports of violence targeting foreign-owned businesses, particularly in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
According to the Nigerian government, the evacuation will be voluntary and will prioritize those who feel unsafe. The first group of returnees is expected to arrive in Lagos within days. The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria is coordinating the effort.
The attacks have drawn condemnation from several African nations, with Nigeria calling for calm and urging South African authorities to protect foreign nationals. The South African government has deployed additional police to affected areas and vowed to bring perpetrators to justice.
This is not the first time Nigeria has evacuated citizens from South Africa; similar operations occurred in 2019 and 2023 following xenophobic violence. The current situation remains tense, with many foreign nationals seeking shelter.
