Nigeria Evacuates 106 Citizens from South Africa Amid Tensions

Nigeria evacuated 106 citizens from South Africa on October 2 amid escalating anti-migrant tensions and fears of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals. This evacuation occurred two days after a September 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, following the earlier return of 105 Nigerians on September 24. The evacuation was partially funded by a donation of $265,854 from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which also supported the previous repatriation of 100 Nigerians.

This development is part of ongoing anti-immigration protests in South Africa, which have included violence and looting, leading to approximately 900 arrests for immigration-related offenses. South African authorities have cautioned against vigilantism, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of government agencies.