The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has commended the Federal Government for the successful repatriation of over 900 Nigerian citizens from South Africa in the ongoing xenophobic attacks on African migrants in that country.
The group called for stronger diplomatic action to protect the lives and property of those who remain in the country.
In a statement released on Friday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olufemi Olunloyo, NUSA acknowledged the evacuation flight that brought home 284 Nigerians from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday night.
It extended gratitude to the Federal Government, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for their coordinated efforts in facilitating the voluntary departure of citizens from what it described as “hostile environments.”
Calls for Diplomatic Action
While expressing relief at the safe return of vulnerable citizens, NUSA urged the Nigerian government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to secure concrete safety assurances for Nigerians still residing in the country.
“No Nigerian should have to tolerate ongoing harassment, organised hostility, threats to their safety, or the destruction of their livelihoods,” the union said in its statement.
The organisation stressed that the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Africa must be leveraged to ensure the protection of Nigerians’ rights and properties, and to secure justice for those who have suffered violence and property hijacking at the hands of what it termed “anti-black migrant groups.”
“The bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Africa must be utilized to ensure that the rights and properties of Nigerians are protected and that justice is administered to those who have suffered violence and property hijacking at the hands of anti-black migrant groups.”
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NUSA reaffirmed its dedication to working in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa to safeguard and support Nigerian citizens remaining in the country.
The development comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, with Nigerian citizens reportedly facing periodic attacks on their lives, businesses and properties in various parts of the country.
Pinnacle Daily had reported that two Nigerian nationals, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, were killed in South Africa on June 28, 2026. While Yunana Joe was killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by some officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
The Nigerian government has condemned the killings and called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
The government has sponsored four evacuation operations that safely brought home over 900 Nigerians from South Africa in the last one month, assuring that it remains committed to the safety of its citizens abroad.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged Nigerians in South Africa who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the Federal Government-sponsored evacuation flights to be brought home, noting that there are no signs that the situation is improving.
In a statement on Friday via her official X handle, the minister disclosed that the last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home about 300 nationals, will arrive in Nigeria next week.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X