Lead

A fresh batch of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos, and several returnees are urging compatriots against migrating to the country, describing it as unsafe for foreigners.

The returnees landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace flight. Reports differ on the exact number of those on board: one account puts the figure at 271, while another says 269. This is the third group of Nigerians to be brought home this month.

Coverage Comparison

Reports of the repatriation focus on the returnees' personal accounts and the broader context of anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. One report highlights the arrival of the flight in Lagos and notes that anti-immigrant groups had issued a June 30 deadline for all undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. That report also cites at least four deaths in recent anti-immigrant protests and violence.

Another report, drawing on interviews with returnees, describes their traumatic experiences and the fear they lived under. It also details the support offered by Nigerian authorities, including the Edo State Government's arrangements to receive and reintegrate its indigenes and financial support from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

Key Claims

  • 271 Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, according to one report.
  • 269 Nigerians were repatriated in the latest flight, according to another report.
  • The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
  • Anti-immigrant groups in South Africa issued a June 30 deadline for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
  • At least four people have died in recent anti-immigrant protests and violence.
  • South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected the so-called deadline, saying only authorities can enforce immigration laws.
  • More than 600 Nigerians have been brought home out of more than a thousand who registered for voluntary repatriation.
  • Emmanuela Akagosu, a returnee, fled South Africa after years of living in fear and intimidation.
  • Sandy Oris, another returnee, described his relocation to South Africa as the biggest mistake of his life.
  • The Edo State Government has commenced arrangements to receive and reintegrate its indigenes among the returnees.
  • The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) provided financial support to the returnees.

Perspectives

Returnees

Returnees describe South Africa as unsafe for Nigerians, citing persistent threats, intimidation, and attacks. Emmanuela Akagosu, who lived in South Africa since 2017, said she fled after years of fear, leaving behind her possessions. "South Africa is not a safe place to go. It's not safe at all because all the time they tell us to leave or be killed," she said. Sandy Oris recounted that his shop was broken into and his goods taken nine years ago, and later his house was broken into and he was nearly killed, forcing him to relocate.

Nigerian Government

Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of African Affairs at Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government has been engaging with South African authorities to express displeasure and concerns about the welfare of Nigerian citizens. "What we can do as a government is to interface with the South African government to express our displeasure and to express our concerns about the welfare of our citizens," he said.

South African Authorities

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected the deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups, asserting that only authorities can enforce immigration laws. The citizen-led anti-migrant groups blame undocumented migrants for rising unemployment, crime, and increased pressure on public services.