67 Nigerians Repatriated From South Africa Arrive in Lagos Amid Xenophobia Concerns

By ECOWAS Reporter | August 27, 2026

A fresh batch of 67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos, amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks and the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, aboard a South African Airways flight. They were received by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

67 Nigerians Return Home

The latest repatriation was facilitated by private individuals who provided assistance, including flight tickets, to Nigerians seeking to leave South Africa.

NEMA's South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the returnees were coming back because of the xenophobic challenges confronting foreigners in South Africa.

The development comes less than a week after another 83 Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa, bringing the number of Nigerians who have returned in the two recent batches to 150.

30 Adults, 34 Children and an Infant

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the latest group consists of 30 adults, 34 children and one infant.

The returnees are from several Nigerian states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kogi, Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Anambra, Osun, Benue, Abia and Kwara.

The minister said the latest exercise was sponsored by private individuals amid continuing concerns about the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

She also appealed to state governments to support returning Nigerians who may have abandoned businesses, jobs and properties in South Africa.

Returnees Receive N50,000 Each

The private group behind the repatriation also provided immediate financial assistance to the returnees.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), coordinator Ikem Ume-Ezeoke and businessman Chief Charles Mba addressed the returnees after their arrival and gave each person N50,000.

Mba encouraged the returnees to remain patriotic and comply with relevant regulations as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.

Ume-Ezeoke, meanwhile, expressed optimism about the future of the returnees, particularly the children, and said the challenges they experienced in South Africa should not prevent them from succeeding back home.

Xenophobia Drives Renewed Repatriation

The latest arrivals come against the backdrop of renewed concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

South Africa has experienced recurring episodes of xenophobic violence over the years, with Nigerians and other African nationals sometimes becoming targets of hostility.

Recent protests and demands by some groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country have heightened concerns among migrant communities.

The situation has also attracted attention from governments across the continent. Nigeria has pushed for the issue of anti-migrant violence to receive attention at the African Union level, while Ghana has also called for an AU debate on the matter.

Calls for Support and Reintegration

The return of the Nigerians has also renewed calls for stronger support for citizens returning from abroad.

For many returnees, coming home may mean starting again after leaving behind jobs, businesses, homes and other investments.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu therefore urged state governments to assist returnees with relocation, resettlement and reintegration, particularly those who have lost their livelihoods in South Africa.

What Happens Next?

The arrival of the 67 Nigerians highlights the growing need for coordinated efforts between the Nigerian government, state authorities, private organisations and community groups to help returnees rebuild their lives.

While the immediate priority is ensuring their safety and welfare, longer-term assistance could include employment opportunities, skills development, housing support and access to financial assistance.

With 150 Nigerians returning in the latest two batches, attention will now turn to how effectively the returnees can be reintegrated and supported as they begin a new chapter in Nigeria.