268 Nigerians Flee Xenophobic Violence, Arrive Lagos as Federal Government Begins Mass Evacuation From South Africa

LAGOS — In a dramatic response to renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from the troubled country has safely arrived in Lagos, marking the beginning of a large-scale repatriation exercise by the Federal Government.
The returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight coordinated by Nigerian authorities.
Their arrival was officially confirmed through updates released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), signaling the government’s swift intervention to protect its citizens caught in the wave of anti-immigrant violence sweeping across parts of South Africa.
The evacuation follows escalating attacks targeting foreign nationals, a crisis that has triggered fear and uncertainty among thousands of African migrants residing in the country. According to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 1,000 Nigerians had registered for voluntary repatriation as concerns over their safety intensified.
Before the evacuation commenced, Nigerian and South African authorities jointly conducted screening and verification exercises to facilitate the orderly return of affected citizens.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has condemned the attacks and pledged decisive action against individuals and groups responsible for the violence. Despite these assurances, tensions remain high as many foreign nationals continue to seek refuge from the unrest.
The recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa have often been linked to accusations that immigrants contribute to rising crime, unemployment, and pressure on public services. However, human rights organizations and migration experts have consistently warned against blaming migrants for the country’s socio-economic challenges, describing such narratives as dangerous and divisive.
As the humanitarian operation gathers momentum, the Federal Government has indicated that additional evacuation flights will follow in the coming days, with hundreds of other Nigerians awaiting transportation back home.
The latest development underscores the growing urgency of addressing xenophobia on the African continent and ensuring the safety, dignity, and protection of citizens living beyond their national borders.