BREAKING: First Batch Of 268 Nigerians Fleeing Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa Arrive In Lagos As Federal Government Intensifies Evacuation Efforts

BREAKING: First Batch Of 268 Nigerians Fleeing Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa Arrive In Lagos As Federal Government Intensifies Evacuation Efforts

June 11, 2026

The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks has safely arrived in Lagos, marking the beginning of a major repatriation exercise coordinated by the Federal Government.

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

Their arrival was confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is overseeing aspects of the reception and reintegration process for the evacuees.

The emergency evacuation comes amid escalating anti-foreigner violence in parts of South Africa, where migrants from several African countries have reportedly faced intimidation, attacks, displacement, and destruction of property. Nigerians have been among those most affected by the unrest, prompting urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

Prior to Thursday's arrival, the Nigerian Government had approved a series of evacuation flights to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens who expressed concerns over their safety and security in South Africa. Officials disclosed that hundreds of additional Nigerians have already registered for repatriation and are expected to be transported home in subsequent flights over the coming days.

The latest xenophobic crisis has generated widespread concern across the African continent, reigniting debates over migrant protection, regional integration, and the recurring tensions between local communities and foreign nationals in South Africa.

Reports indicate that citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and other African nations have been targeted during the recent unrest. Several affected individuals reportedly abandoned businesses, residences, and personal belongings in a desperate bid to escape violence and seek safety.

South African authorities have publicly condemned the attacks, describing them as criminal acts that threaten national unity and regional stability. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also pledged decisive action against individuals and groups responsible for orchestrating or participating in the violence.

Despite these assurances, fear continues to spread among migrant communities, many of whom say they no longer feel safe in areas where anti-immigrant sentiment has intensified.

Analysts note that hostility toward foreign nationals in South Africa is often driven by perceptions that migrants contribute to rising crime rates, unemployment, and pressure on public services. However, human rights organisations and migration experts have consistently rejected such claims, warning that migrants are frequently used as scapegoats for broader economic and social challenges facing the country.

The return of the 268 Nigerians highlights the human impact of the crisis, with many evacuees arriving home after enduring days of uncertainty, fear, and displacement. Government agencies are expected to provide immediate support and assistance to help the returnees reintegrate and rebuild their lives.

As evacuation efforts continue, Nigerian authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens abroad while maintaining diplomatic engagement with South Africa to address the underlying causes of the violence and prevent future attacks.

With more evacuation flights expected in the coming days, attention now turns to the hundreds of Nigerians still awaiting transportation, as families across the country anxiously hope for the safe return of their loved ones from the troubled regions of South Africa.