Xenophobia: FG Screens Nigerians in S’Africa as Evacuation Figures Remain Uncertain

The Federal Government has commenced screening of Nigerians in South Africa who have indicated interest in returning home following renewed xenophobic tensions, even as officials say the final evacuation figures are yet to be determined.

The exercise, which forms part of Nigeria’s repatriation plan announced weeks ago, is currently underway at the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities.

A public notice from the mission confirmed that the screening will run through the weekend, with early estimates suggesting that about 400 Nigerians may be involved in the initial batch. However, diplomatic sources have cautioned that the figure remains provisional pending the completion of the exercise.

In a clarification issued on Saturday, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the screening is still ongoing and no definitive number of evacuees has been established.

He explained that the process, which began earlier in the week, involves coordination between Nigerian and South African agencies to verify and document those eligible for evacuation.

“The screening exercise of Nigerians in South Africa that have registered to be evacuated will end today,” Ebienfa stated. “It is a joint exercise by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, the South African Police and Immigration. At the end of the screening, we will have a definite figure of those cleared for evacuation. Thereafter, government will finalise arrangements for aircraft deployment to bring them home.”

He added that further details would be made available as the process concludes.

The development comes amid escalating anti-foreigner sentiments in parts of South Africa, where sporadic violence and protests against undocumented migrants have triggered fear among foreign nationals.

In several affected communities, migrants have reportedly been forced from their homes, with some taking refuge in temporary shelters and community halls following attacks and threats by local groups demanding their departure.

South African authorities have warned against vigilantism, stressing that no group will be allowed to target individuals based on nationality or carry out unlawful operations.

Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili of the South African Police Service reiterated that security agencies would act against anyone attempting to enforce illegal ultimatums, noting that law enforcement would not tolerate intimidation of foreign nationals.

The latest unrest has already prompted evacuation moves by other African countries, with Ghana and Mozambique among those assisting citizens to return home as tensions rise ahead of a widely cited June 30 deadline set by some anti-migrant groups.

Nigeria is also preparing for a broader evacuation plan that could affect thousands of its citizens, although officials insist that the exact number will only be known after the ongoing screening is concluded.

Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns continue to mount as displaced migrants remain in makeshift shelters across affected regions, with reports of overcrowding and insecurity in some communities.

The Federal Government has assured that it will continue working with South African authorities to ensure the safe return of Nigerians who voluntarily opt for evacuation, while monitoring developments on the ground.