Nigerian Citizens Repatriated After South African Anti-Immigration Riots

LAGOS, Nigeria — The first group of Nigerians arrived back in Lagos on Thursday, returning under a government‑mandated repatriation after violent anti‑immigration protests in South Africa.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the flight carried 262 passengers and three officials.

Since April, South Africa has experienced a wave of anti‑immigration demonstrations, exposing tensions between local workers and foreign laborers who are accused of taking jobs. South African authorities have condemned the rallies as xenophobic.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu stated that the president ordered an “evacuation of imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.”

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