Protesters hold sticks and flags while chanting slogans as they march during a demonstration by the "March and March" and Operation Dudula movements marking an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, in Johannesburg, on June 30, 2026. South African police deployed to head off unrest and protests on June 30, 2026, the unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave that has already pushed thousands to flee. Officers were out in force to prevent violence and looting by the xenophobic groups, while hundreds of foreign nationals took refuge in several cities, urgently seeking help to leave. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)
The Federal Government says it will not accept any humiliation of Nigerians or damage to the country’s interests amid the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests in South Africa.
Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Demola Oshodi, said the government has activated measures to protect Nigerians and safeguard the country’s interests, stressing that the welfare of citizens remains a priority.
Oshodi said hundreds of vulnerable Nigerians have already been evacuated from South Africa, while diplomatic engagement with the South African government continues.
He noted that Nigeria would approach the situation with caution, citing the longstanding political, economic and business ties between both countries.
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According to him, the Federal Government will continue to monitor developments while ensuring that the South African authorities fulfil their responsibility to protect Nigerians living in the country.
Meanwhile, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the government is pursuing compensation for Nigerians who were forced to abandon businesses and properties because of the unrest.
Ajayi explained that affected Nigerians are being asked to provide accurate details of their businesses and properties to enable the Nigerian government work with South African authorities in verifying the claims and seeking possible compensation.
The renewed anti-immigration protests in South Africa have prompted Nigeria and Ghana to repatriate some of their citizens, with another batch of Nigerian evacuees arriving in Lagos on Tuesday as demonstrations intensified across several cities.
