Nigeria has evacuated another 269 citizens from South Africa as renewed anti-migrant protests continue to fuel fears of xenophobic violence across the country. The latest batch of returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing voluntary evacuation program.
The evacuation follows growing unrest linked to nationwide demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants. South African authorities deployed police and security personnel across major cities, including Johannesburg and Durban, ahead of the protests after concerns that the demonstrations could spiral into violence despite organizers insisting they would remain peaceful. Reports of harassment and attacks on foreign nationals have heightened fears among migrant communities.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing, with additional flights expected to bring home more citizens who have registered for voluntary return. Officials said hundreds of Nigerians are still awaiting clearance at the country’s mission in Pretoria, while the government continues to engage South African authorities over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to seek financial compensation from South Africa for Nigerians forced to abandon businesses, homes and other valuable property while fleeing the unrest. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner Temitope Ajayi said authorities have begun documenting affected assets as part of discussions expected to take place with Pretoria.
The latest evacuation brings the number of Nigerians repatriated in recent weeks to more than 600, highlighting the growing impact of South Africa’s anti-immigration tensions. Several other African countries, including Ghana, Malawi and Uganda, have also organized evacuation flights for their citizens as uncertainty continues.
