By Joke Kujenya
THE FEDERAL Government has warned that it will not tolerate attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, as anti-migrant protests intensify in the country, and another batch of voluntary returnees arrives home.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the warning came from Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs, amid demonstrations organised by anti-migration groups that have renewed fears of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
The protests, led by vigilante organisations including March and March, followed an unofficial June 30 deadline demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa.
Although organisers insist the demonstrations are aimed only at undocumented foreigners and are intended to remain peaceful, concerns have grown after reports of harassment involving lawful migrants.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, sought to calm fears, saying the group was not advocating violence.
“We are not calling for violence. No one will be killed on 30 June, and no looting will take place in our name,” she said.
Despite those assurances, at least two Nigerians have reportedly been killed since xenophobic attacks resurfaced in South Africa.
Nigeria Demands Action From South African Authorities
Reacting to the developments, Oshodi said Nigeria had repeatedly warned South African (SA) authorities and now expected decisive action to protect Nigerian citizens.
“The warning is simple: Nigeria expects action,” Oshodi said in a statement.
He urged the SA government to investigate every reported attack, protect Nigerian communities, restrain vigilante groups, prosecute offenders and activate the Nigeria-South Africa Early Warning Mechanism (NSAEWM) without further delay.
Oshodi acknowledged SA’s right to enforce its immigration laws but stressed that such responsibility rests solely with lawful state institutions rather than vigilante groups or political movements.
“No African should be attacked, threatened, denied healthcare, pushed out of business, or humiliated because of where they come from,” he said.
He further argued that Africa’s aspirations for unity cannot be achieved while Africans continue to face violence and discrimination within the continent.
According to him, challenges including coups, xenophobia, weak border cooperation, colonial-era divisions and dependence on foreign powers continue to undermine African integration.
He said the continent should instead prioritise protecting African lives, strengthening democracy, improving security cooperation, facilitating lawful movement across borders and funding African-led solutions.
Oshodi also recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, saying that longstanding diplomatic ties should not prevent Nigeria from speaking out when the lives of its citizens are endangered.
Ramaphosa Calls for Peaceful Demonstrations
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday appealed for calm as protests continued across parts of the country.
While reaffirming that peaceful protest is protected under the country’s constitution, Ramaphosa warned that anyone engaging in violence or criminal acts would face the full weight of the law.
Second Official Evacuation Flight Lands in Lagos
Meanwhile, another batch of Nigerians voluntarily returning from South Africa has arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
The aircraft landed at about 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday with 269 returnees on board.
The latest arrival marks the second official evacuation flight organised by the Nigerian government following renewed tensions in South Africa.
Earlier, 258 Nigerians were evacuated aboard a chartered Air Peace flight on June 11.
A separate group of 66 Nigerians also returned on June 24 through an unofficial evacuation facilitated by Nigerian businessman Kunle Soname, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa had described the June 24 operation as being facilitated by “a good-spirited Nigerian”, while Dipo Onabowale, Head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Lagos, later identified the benefactor as Soname.
The latest group of returnees was escorted by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and received in Lagos by senior Foreign Ministry officials led by Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department.
More Evacuation Flights Planned
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the voluntary evacuation exercise remains ongoing, noting that more flights have already been arranged for Nigerians who have completed screening and clearance procedures.
According to Ebienfa, the FG has so far funded five repatriation flights, although only two official flights have been completed, alongside the privately facilitated June 24 operation.
He said additional flights are expected in the coming days to bring home all Nigerians who have chosen to return voluntarily.
The ministry added that Nigeria will continue engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians residing in the country.
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