FG screens South-Africa-based Nigerians for evacuation

Ebun Emmanuel June 7,2026

The e Federal Government has screened Nigerians who registered for evacuation from South Africa.

The completion of the exercise has cleared the way for the final stage of arrangements to bring affected citizens back home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Sunday, added the screening commenced on June 4 and involved a coordinated effort between Nigerian and South African authorities.

According to the ministry, the exercise was conducted by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police Service, and immigration authorities.

The FG explained that the screening was designed to verify the identities and eligibility of Nigerians who expressed interest in returning home amid rising security concerns and renewed reports of xenophobic attacks.

Authorities are now expected to determine the final number of Nigerians who qualify for evacuation.

“The Government will subsequently conclude arrangements for the deployment of aircraft to convey the evacuees back to Nigeria,” the ministry saud.

The planned evacuation follows growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa amid a fresh wave of anti-foreigner sentiment and attacks.

The evacuation exercise is expected to provide relief for Nigerians seeking to return home as authorities continue to monitor the situation in South Africa.