Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos

Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos

The third batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa touched down in Lagos on Tuesday, as the Federal Government continued efforts to bring home citizens caught in the wave of anti-immigration protests and xenophobic attacks that have unsettled parts of the Southern African nation.

The evacuees arrived aboard an Air Peace aircraft, which landed at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 10:54 a.m.

The latest evacuation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following weeks of demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants and businesses owned by immigrants. The unrest has disrupted livelihoods and heightened fears among many Nigerians living in the country.

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The Federal Government, through its diplomatic missions and relevant agencies, has been coordinating the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians who indicated their willingness to return home. Air Peace has been providing the evacuation flights as part of the humanitarian effort.

The ongoing repatriation follows renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals—particularly Africans from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Somalia—have repeatedly come under attack during anti-immigration campaigns.

Over the years, similar outbreaks of violence have led to deaths, destruction of businesses and strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, prompting repeated calls for stronger protection of migrants and lasting solutions to xenophobia.