Nigeria has evacuated another 106 citizens from South Africa amid escalating anti-migrant tensions and concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, October 2, two days after September 30, the deadline reportedly issued by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa.
Their arrival followed the return of 105 Nigerians on September 24.
The latest evacuation was partly funded by the $265,854 donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to support the repatriation of Nigerians affected by the anti-foreigner climate in South Africa.
The donation also supported the evacuation of 100 Nigerians in the previous exercise.
The development follows months of anti-immigration protests across South Africa.
A similar deadline was issued in June, after which thousands participated in protests that were followed by incidents of violence and looting.
South African police said about 900 people were arrested, mainly over immigration-related offences and looting.
The authorities have warned against vigilantism, stressing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of government agencies and that only authorised officials can conduct checks on migrants.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over what it described as persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Ministry spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said Nigeria would continue diplomatic engagement with Pretoria to address the situation.
“Nigeria remains deeply concerned about persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa,” Adeniyi said.
He added that Nigeria would continue efforts “to decisively address the problem of Xenophobia and Afrophobia, and ensure the safety, security and dignity of Nigerians who still reside in the country.”
Nigeria had earlier completed five phases of a voluntary evacuation programme, bringing home 1,490 citizens on flights operated by Air Peace and South African Airways.
Other African countries have also repatriated citizens amid the tensions. Malawi reported returning more than 38,000 nationals, while Zimbabwe reported more than 21,000. Uganda, Ghana and Mozambique have also undertaken repatriation exercises.
South African authorities said more than 53,000 foreign nationals were being processed for deportation or repatriation as of July 11, with Malawians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans accounting for most of the cases.
The latest evacuation adds to diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and South Africa, as Abuja continues to press Pretoria to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
