Nigerians Return Home Amid Rising Xenophobia in South Africa

Amid rising xenophobic threats in South Africa, more Nigerians are returning home. A flight organized by the Nigerian government on June 24 repatriated 269 citizens, bringing the total number of Nigerians returned from South Africa to 593.

The flight was facilitated by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and included support from Kunle Sonam, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the evacuation exercise is ongoing, with additional flights expected.

The Nigerian government is engaging with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals residing in the country. Concerns have been raised by South African rights groups regarding undocumented migrants, with a reported deadline of June 30 for their departure from South Africa.

The Nigerian government has conducted two official evacuation flights and is making arrangements for further repatriation efforts.