Nigeria has begun repatriating its citizens from South Africa, joining Ghana and several other African countries in response to escalating xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.

The Nigerian government successfully facilitated the return of the first batch of 268 nationals on Thursday.

The evacuees arrived in Lagos via a chartered Air Peace flight, as part of a coordinated voluntary repatriation effort aimed at safeguarding the lives and well-being of Nigerians in the country. 

This move comes after renewed anti-immigrant protests and attacks in parts of South Africa, which have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for many African migrants.

Hundreds of Nigerians had earlier registered with the Nigerian High Commission for assistance to return home. 

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is providing support for the returnees, including reintegration assistance.

More batches are expected in the coming days as registration and verification processes continue. 

Nigeria’s action reflects growing regional concern over the safety of African citizens living and working in South Africa, with several countries taking similar steps to evacuate their nationals.