Nigerian authorities organized the return of citizens from South Africa after renewed xenophobic violence targeted foreign nationals. Hundreds of Nigerians registered for government assisted flights as fears grew over safety in the country.
Protesters in South Africa carried out attacks and issued threats against African migrants in recent weeks. Mobs forced families from their homes in areas including Johannesburg and Durban. Nigerian officials reported that citizens faced intimidation and violence.
Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that the Nigerian government placed the safety of its citizens as a top priority. She added that arrangements for voluntary repatriation flights began after reports of killings and assaults.
More than one thousand Nigerians applied for the repatriation program. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa disclosed that the number rose quickly from an initial 130 applicants.
He explained that screening processes with South African officials verified eligibility for the returns. As a result, the first batch of around 270 Nigerians boarded an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg to Lagos on Wednesday.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the government considered retaliatory measures against South Africa. She noted that such decisions required action at the highest levels but remained under review. Nigerian police also warned citizens at home against reprisal attacks on South African businesses or nationals.
Subsequent flights followed the initial group as more Nigerians completed screening. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence and linked it to high unemployment rates. Moreover, affected Nigerians chose to return home. The repatriation effort highlighted ongoing challenges for African migrants in South Africa.
