Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Measures Against South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Nigerian government has expressed its deep disappointment and frustration with the South African government's handling of the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the government is actively considering retaliatory measures, including a review of bilateral privileges, in response to the attacks. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that the attacks, which have resulted in the harassment and intimidation of Nigerian nationals, the looting and burning of their shops, and the intimidation of their children in schools, are unacceptable and warrant a strong response from the Nigerian government. The minister rejected claims by some South African authorities that the Nigerians under attack were illegal migrants, arguing that many of the victims were legitimate business owners who had been targeted simply because of their nationality. Odumegwu-Ojukwu also highlighted Nigeria's historical support for South Africa's struggle for independence, noting that the country had made significant sacrifices, including committing funds and resources, to help bring an end to apartheid. The minister's comments came after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the issue of xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals in South Africa was discussed. The Nigerian government has already begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa, with over 500 people screened and cleared for evacuation as of June 8. The evacuation exercise, which is being undertaken in coordination with the National Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies, is expected to be followed by rehabilitation support for the returnees. The current crisis was triggered by anti-immigration protests in South Africa in late April 2026, which generated widespread anxiety among foreign nationals. South Africa's government has publicly objected to Nigeria's evacuation plans, but Odumegwu-Ojukwu has maintained that the evacuation of Nigerian citizens who want to return home remains the government's priority. The minister also confirmed that President Tinubu had approved five Air Peace evacuation flights and directed a crisis response unit to be established within Nigeria's consulate in Johannesburg and the mission in Pretoria. The House of Representatives has recommended a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria, while the Senate has resolved to send a high-level delegation to South Africa to formally express Nigeria's displeasure. The wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa is not a new phenomenon, with similar attacks having occurred in 2008, 2015, and 2019, resulting in the displacement and killing of many foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The Nigerian government has summoned South Africa's Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, for urgent talks, and has recalled its High Commissioner from Pretoria in the past. Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema had offered free evacuation flights for Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa in 2019, following a similar wave of xenophobic attacks.