JUST IN: Repatriated Nigerians Arrive in Lagos From South Africa [VIDEO]

The first batch of Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic violence arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday morning.

The group, comprising 262 citizens and three government officials, landed at approximately 10:30 AM aboard a chartered Air Peace flight, which was fully funded by the Federal Government. 

The repatriation exercise was ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect Nigerians whose lives are at risk abroad.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the evacuation follows an escalation of anti-immigrant hostilities in South Africa that began in April 2026. The unrest intensified after a citizen-led group opposed to irregular migration launched widespread protests and issued a strict ultimatum ordering all undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by June 30.  

The movement led to violent outbreaks, with viral footage showing mobs targeting, chasing, and assaulting black foreign nationals while accusing them of contributing to South Africa’s economic difficulties and high crime rates.

The unrest resulted in the destruction and looting of foreign-owned businesses and the reported deaths of two Nigerians during security incidents in the preceding month, prompting the Nigerian National Assembly to formally condemn the attacks and demand immediate intervention. 

Nigeria joins other African nations, including Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi, that have initiated similar state-funded evacuation operations.