At Least 130 Nigerians Seek Repatriation From South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks

At least 130 Nigerian nationals have applied for voluntary repatriation to Nigeria following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, the Nigerian government confirmed on Monday.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that the government is coordinating emergency repatriation flights in response to the escalating violence, which has seen mobs attack shops, homes, and businesses owned by foreigners across several South African cities. The attacks, which began in late April, have left dozens injured and hundreds displaced, prompting Nigeria to activate its crisis response protocol.

“We are working around the clock to bring our citizens home safely,” the minister said in a statement. “Every Nigerian in South Africa who wishes to return will have the opportunity to do so.”

The South African government has deployed additional police forces to hotspot areas and arrested dozens of suspects linked to the violence. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks as “unacceptable” and pledged to protect all legal residents regardless of nationality.

Nigeria’s high commission in Pretoria has set up emergency helplines and temporary shelter for citizens awaiting evacuation. The repatriation effort is being coordinated through the Nigerian diaspora commission and the foreign affairs ministry.

The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from African Union officials, who called for swift action to protect the rights of all African citizens within member states. Tensions between South Africa and Nigeria—Africa’s two largest economies—have strained diplomatic relations in recent years over similar outbreaks of violence.

Community leaders on both sides have urged calm, with Nigerian business owners in South Africa calling for justice rather than revenge. Many have operated in South Africa for decades, contributing to the local economy.

The repatriation flights are expected to continue over the coming weeks as the situation remains tense in affected areas.