Nigerians Stranded in South Africa Amid Xenophobia Crisis

Hundreds of Nigerians are currently stranded in South Africa due to xenophobic violence, leading to significant hardship. The Nigerian government, as of June 7, 2026, has promised to deploy five charter flights via Air Peace to repatriate citizens.

However, only one flight has successfully departed, returning 258 individuals to Lagos last week. Frank Onyekwelu, President of Nicasa, reported that over 1,000 Nigerians have expressed interest in returning home.

Many stranded individuals, including families with women and children, are enduring severe conditions without shelter, food, or financial means. The situation has become increasingly distressing, with citizens traveling long distances to register for evacuation.

Nicasa has urgently appealed to the Nigerian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant committees, to expedite the repatriation process and provide humanitarian support. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that updates on the repatriation program will be provided as developments occur.