June 27, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
More than 700 Nigerians remain stranded in South Africa as the June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups draws closer, raising fresh fears over possible xenophobic attacks.
Although President Bola Tinubu approved funds for an emergency evacuation operation two weeks ago, delays in releasing the money have reportedly stalled rescue flights, leaving hundreds of Nigerians unable to return home.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa said Air Peace has yet to deploy additional evacuation flights because payment has not been confirmed.
So far, 324 Nigerians have been evacuated. The first batch of 258 arrived in Nigeria on June 11, while another 66 returned on June 24 aboard a ValueJet-supported operation after Air Peace’s planned flights were delayed.
Government officials say four additional evacuation flights have already received approval, but the airline is waiting for funds to be released before resuming operations.
Meanwhile, many stranded Nigerians remain in temporary shelters provided by the Nigerian High Commission, where they are receiving food and basic assistance while awaiting evacuation.
The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, alleged that more than 20 Nigerians have lost their lives since late 2025 as xenophobic violence intensified across parts of South Africa. He said some victims were reportedly killed, while others died after their businesses were looted or destroyed.
The Nigerian Union South Africa also described the security situation as tense, saying many Nigerians are living in fear as anti-immigration groups continue to issue threats ahead of the June 30 deadline.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to evacuating all registered Nigerians from South Africa as efforts continue to resolve the funding and logistical challenges delaying the remaining rescue flights.
