268 Evacuees arrive Lagos as Nigeria responds to renewed anti-migrant violence in South Africa

The first batch of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence has arrived in Lagos.

The 268 returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight arranged by the Federal Government.

Their arrival was confirmed in an update shared on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) WhatsApp platform.

The evacuation forms part of Nigeria’s response to renewed anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa, which have forced thousands of foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to seek urgent return home.

According to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 1,000 Nigerians had earlier registered for voluntary repatriation amid escalating tensions. Joint screening processes were conducted by Nigerian and South African authorities before the evacuation commenced.

The latest xenophobic unrest has drawn widespread concern across Africa, with migrants from several countries reportedly affected. South African authorities have condemned the attacks and pledged action against those responsible.

Human rights groups have, however, warned against the recurring scapegoating of foreign nationals over unemployment and crime in the country.

The Federal Government is expected to continue evacuation efforts in the coming days as more Nigerians who registered for voluntary return await transportation back home.

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