Nigeria repatriates nearly 1,500 citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks

Nigeria has successfully evacuated 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa amid a wave of xenophobic attacks. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the repatriation, with the final of five evacuation flights carrying 305 returnees landing in Lagos on Wednesday. This operation underscores Nigeria's firm stance against xenophobia, racism, and violence, which it deems unacceptable, especially given the close bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Nigerian government has previously condemned the attacks and threatened unspecified measures if they continue. Reports indicate that two Nigerian citizens have died in South Africa, with one allegedly dying during a police interrogation. The recent surge in violence has seen self-appointed vigilantes attacking foreign nationals and looting their businesses. Many South Africans attribute problems like crime and unemployment to immigrants. Other African nations, including Mozambique and Ghana, have also reported citizens killed in the unrest.

“

Xenophobia, racism, and violence are unacceptable.