Nigerians Repatriated Amid Rising Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Nigerian nationals fleeing growing anti immigrant tensions in South Africa arrived at Johannesburg airport on Wednesday to be repatriated. The move comes after weeks of unrest in which groups armed with sticks, whips, and shields marched through parts of the country, demanding that foreigners without proper papers leave by the end of the month.

Ninikanwa Okey Uche, Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, described the situation as dangerous. “You are walking on the streets and a fellow citizen can stop you and ask for your papers. People have been harmed, businesses have been looted, so basically the opportunity has been presented, come home,” he said.

This is not the first time South Africa has faced accusations of xenophobia. In 2008, more than 60 people were killed in attacks on foreigners. Since then, anti migrant riots and protests have continued to flare up, often linked to economic hardship and rising unemployment.

Among those leaving is Nigerian national Ona Charles, who has lived in South Africa for 14 years. He said the experience has been unbearable. “I am 14 years here in South Africa since going up and down, not stable. So I rather give up for me to go home with my life than going home with injuries,” he explained.

South African immigration officials confirmed that Nigerians and other foreigners being repatriated will face restrictions on returning. “We put them on a stop list, so they will all be declared what we call ‘undesirable.’ It’s provided for in the immigration act and when we declare them undesirable obviously it will be about a five year ban before they can come back to South Africa,” one official said.

South Africa, the richest country in the region, has long attracted migrants from neighbouring states such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho, as well as from Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Many come seeking work and better opportunities. However, with unemployment above 30 percent, anti migrant groups have increasingly blamed foreigners for taking jobs and putting pressure on public services.

The latest wave of hostility has seen foreign owned businesses looted and migrants harassed in public spaces. Rights groups have condemned the violence, warning that it undermines regional unity and threatens lives. They argue that migrants contribute to South Africa’s economy and society, and that scapegoating them only deepens divisions.

For Nigeria, the repatriation is both a humanitarian and diplomatic step. Officials say they want to protect their citizens from further harm while continuing to engage South African authorities on the issue. The Nigerian government has urged calm and called for stronger measures to prevent future attacks.

As migrants board flights home, many express relief at leaving behind the fear and uncertainty. Yet their departure also highlights the ongoing challenge of xenophobia in South Africa, where tensions between locals and foreigners remain unresolved.