Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Amid Rising Anti-Migrant Violence

A group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid anti-immigrant violence was expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday. About 262 people were repatriated on a government-chartered flight, out of roughly 1,000 who requested to leave due to safety concerns. The evacuation follows weeks of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, where rising unemployment and recurring tensions have fuelled hostility toward migrants. Other African countries have also begun repatriating their citizens.

A group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa amid a renewed wave of anti-immigrant violence was expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday, according to Nigerian officials. The evacuation forms part of a broader response to escalating unrest targeting foreign nationals in several parts of South Africa, where tensions over migration and unemployment have intensified in recent weeks.
Reports from affected areas indicate that groups armed with sticks, whips and makeshift shields have carried out coordinated marches through communities, demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30. In some cases, foreign nationals have allegedly been intimidated, assaulted, and forced to flee their homes after mobs reportedly went door to door identifying migrants and issuing threats.
The violence has not been limited to isolated incidents, with similar reports emerging across multiple regions, raising concerns about the safety of migrant communities. In response, several African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi, have already begun repatriating citizens who felt increasingly unsafe remaining in South Africa.
South Africa remains Africa’s most industrialised economy and hosts more than three million foreign nationals, accounting for just over five percent of its total population, according to official statistics. Many migrants are drawn to the country in search of employment opportunities and better living conditions, but economic pressures have contributed to growing resentment in some communities.
Unemployment in South Africa remains above 30 percent, a situation that analysts say has fuelled frustration among segments of the population and contributed to recurring outbreaks of anti-foreigner sentiment. Migrant workers are often accused of competing for scarce jobs and resources, despite their contribution to sectors such as informal trade, construction and services.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that about 262 Nigerians were scheduled to return on a government-chartered evacuation flight, which was expected to land in Lagos at around 11:00 a.m. local time. The group is part of a larger number of approximately 1,000 Nigerian citizens who have reportedly expressed interest in leaving South Africa due to safety concerns linked to the ongoing violence.
Officials say arrangements were made to ensure the safe return of affected nationals, with coordination between Nigerian diplomatic missions and South African authorities. The repatriation effort is being closely monitored as part of broader consular support for Nigerians abroad facing security risks.
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of anti-immigrant violence over the past decade, with major outbreaks recorded since 2008. Those incidents previously resulted in deaths, widespread displacement, looting and destruction of property belonging to foreign nationals, drawing condemnation from governments and international organisations.
The current spike in violence comes at a politically sensitive time, as South Africa prepares for local government elections scheduled for November. Political analysts note that such periods often see heightened rhetoric around unemployment, service delivery and migration, which can contribute to social tensions in vulnerable communities.