Nigeria Ramps Up Evacuations from South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobia

Mon Jun 15 2026 08:46:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Nigeria has flown nearly a thousand citizens back home after growing anti‑migrant sentiment in South Africa, a move that underscores escalating xenophobic tensions in the region.

Facing a surge in xenophobic attacks, Nigeria has begun returning its citizens to Lagos after a flight carrying 268 passengers landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport. The repatriation is part of a broader wave of evacuations by African states, with Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi already pulling their nationals out by the 30 June deadline. Nigerian migrant Justin recounted violence and intimidation that pushed him to leave, while the Nigerian Consul General argues that migrants are being scapegoated. South African authorities have announced new measures to curb illegal migration and curb violent protests, but critics condemn the lack of protection for foreigners. The situation highlights how violent public sentiments can force international flights and diplomatic actions.

Nigeria has begun evacuating citizens from South Africa after a surge in xenophobic attacks. A flight carrying 268 Nigerians landed in Lagos on Thursday, having departed from Johannesburg earlier that day. The passengers were part of about a thousand people who the Nigerian consulate in South Africa said had registered for repatriation.

"We have no official figures on how many are being repatriated, but the consulate says around 1,000 people have signed up," a Nigerian consular official told BBC News. The repatriation follows similar actions by Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi, all of which have begun pulling their nationals out ahead of a 30 June deadline set by some campaigners.

Many Africans moved to South Africa after 1994, hoping for better prospects. However, with unemployment hovering above 30% and rising anti‑migrant sentiment, protests and xenophobic attacks have become more frequent. "I’m leaving because of the conditions here. They say we must leave on or before 30 June, and because they are killing people, our brothers, I’m not safe," said Justin, one of the four Nigerian passengers who remained at the airport.

Justin went on to explain that he had already been targeted. "They attacked me in a taxi. I ran away and left my phone and all my belongings. They call us names and say you must leave this country," he recounted. He added that, when he tried to beg for help, he was insulted.

Officials in South Africa’s Border Management Agency confirmed that the flight’s passengers did not have legal documents to stay in the country. The Nigerian Consul General Ninikanwa Okey‑Uche noted that delays in processing applications could leave some people undocumented, and urged the authorities to crack down on those who "propagate xenophobic attacks and anti‑foreigner sentiments."

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the protests in a televised speech later that Sunday, announcing measures to curb illegal migration. The plan includes jail time for employers hiring undocumented workers, dedicated courts to speed up deportations, and a biometric database to prevent identity theft. He also warned against citizens taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the need for lawful enforcement.

The escalation mirrors concerns that migration may become a major issue in South Africa’s forthcoming local government elections in November. "Some of the protesters see migrants as a scapegoat for unemployment and exhausted public services," said Okey‑Uche. "Migrations are not the problem, but the sense of fiscal strain is exploited by extremist groups.", she added.

While the Nigerian repatriation signals a reactive approach to xenophobia, stakeholders argue that broader political dynamics, population pressures and economic inequality are fueling the animosity. As Nigeria prepares to repatriate more nationals, the situation remains a stark reminder of the human cost of border disputes and the volatility of migration politics in Africa.