The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced plans for the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests.

More than 130 Nigerians have registered to be evacuated back home following last week’s protest march in Johannesburg, according to the latest update by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The figure may rise, The Nation learnt.

A statement by the ministry, which confirmed the presidential directive, reads: “Another Demonstration is planned for 4-8 May 2026.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed grave concern on this situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed that the situation be monitored very closely. The Nigerian High Commission and the Consulate are in constant communication with relevant host authorities to ensure that the exposure of our nationals to the current tensions is minimized amidst ongoing Consultations with SA’s highest authorities.

“The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.

“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise. Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting our mission in this regard.”

“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa.

“Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern. It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes. Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times such as these.”

The April protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg between 27 to 29, witnessed a largely peaceful procession, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed teargas to deter the protesters from engaging in violent activity.

“There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian- owned properties during this particular protest.

“However, two Nigerian Nationals have been reported killed in separate incidents involving security personnel- Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth.

“Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body discovered at the Pretoria Central mortuary on 20th April 2026.

“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases.”

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old building materials trader in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital following a late-night attack in the Monatan area.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday at about 8:47 p.m. along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road, where the victim was reportedly intercepted while returning home.

Preliminary reports indicate that four masked gunmen accosted the trader and forcibly whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla.

Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and activated necessary operational measures aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators,” he said.

He added that tactical efforts were ongoing, with security operatives deploying available resources to secure the victim’s safe release and track down those responsible.

The police also reassured residents of their commitment to maintaining security and tackling criminal activities across the state, as investigations into the incident continue.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of several officers following the death of a commercial motorcyclist during a stop-and-search operation in the Moniya area of Ibadan.

The victim, 35-year-old Sanni Salisu, died during an alleged unauthorized stop-and-search by two officers from the Kara Police Outpost.

While police reported that Salisu suffered an epileptic seizure, witnesses and family allege he was struck by an officer during a struggle. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

In a statement on Saturday, issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the incident occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

According to Ayanlade, the individual became violent and restive, leading to a confrontation with the officers.

He added that during the ensuing clash, the man was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

The command’s PPRO said he was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

The statement read, “Earlier today, an encounter occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

“Information available indicates that the individual became restive and violent, leading to a confrontation with the officers. During the ensuing clash, he was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

“He was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the detention of all officers involved, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, which is currently ongoing. The commissioner has also directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically ascertain the exact cause of death.

“It is pertinent to note that a brief protest occurred in Iseyin in response to the incident; however, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and the crowd was peacefully dispersed after assurances that justice will be served. A complete brief will follow soon.”

The incident comes amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct following a recent case in Delta State, where a police officer was arrested over the alleged shooting of a restrained suspect.

The development drew widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated online, prompting the authorities to transfer the case to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.

The police authorities had said the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.