Nigeria has begun repatriating its citizens from South Africa following a wave of violent anti-immigrant protests that have left several people dead, displaced thousands and heightened diplomatic tensions across the continent.
The first evacuation flight carrying Nigerian nationals arrived in Lagos on Thursday as part of a government-assisted repatriation programme ordered by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protect citizens who fear for their safety amid the unrest. More than 260 returnees were on board the inaugural flight.
Nigerian authorities say the evacuation exercise was necessitated by escalating attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, where anti-immigration demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the repatriation operation is being fully funded by the federal government, with additional flights expected as more citizens seek to leave the country. Reports indicate that over 1,000 Nigerians have registered to return home.
The violence has sparked concern across Africa, with several countries including Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi also taking steps to assist their nationals affected by the unrest.
South African authorities have condemned the attacks and rejected xenophobic violence, but tensions continue to simmer as groups protesting illegal immigration accuse foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged a crackdown on vigilante groups behind the attacks, insisting that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state and not private individuals or protest movements.
The latest evacuation follows a similar operation undertaken by Ghana last month, when hundreds of Ghanaians were flown home amid growing fears over the safety of migrants living in South Africa.
