Nigeria to Repatriate Over 1,000 Citizens From South Africa

Nigeria is coordinating the repatriation of more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa following a series of xenophobic attacks. The Nigerian government has arranged for the voluntary return of these nationals, with the first repatriation flight scheduled to depart on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, according to reporting from News24.

The move comes as the Nigerian government responds to a surge in citizens seeking to leave South Africa. According to Reuters, more than 1,000 Nigerians have expressed interest in returning home after the recent attacks.

How is Nigeria repatriating its citizens?

The Nigerian government is utilizing air transport to facilitate the return of its nationals. News24 reports that the first flight in this operation will leave on June 11, 2026. This air-based approach allows for the movement of a larger volume of people across the continent more quickly than land-based alternatives.

The repatriation is described as a voluntary process. Citizens who felt unsafe or wished to leave South Africa registered their interest with the government to be included in these organized flights.

What is the status of Malawi’s repatriation efforts?

Malawi is also conducting a repatriation operation for its citizens in South Africa, though the scale and method differ from the Nigerian effort. EWN reports that Malawi is repatriating 150 of its nationals.

Unlike Nigeria’s use of flights, Malawi is employing land transport. Reporting from eNCA indicates that the first two buses of Malawians have already departed from Mossel Bay. The BBC reports that these migrants are currently en route and are expected to arrive back in Malawi soon.

Why are these repatriations occurring?

The coordinated returns are a direct response to xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Reuters reports that the Nigerian government’s effort was triggered by these attacks, which led to a significant increase in the number of Nigerians seeking to return to their home country.

The situation has prompted multiple African governments to intervene to ensure the safety of their citizens. The contrast in logistics—Nigeria’s use of aircraft for over 1,000 people and Malawi’s use of buses for 150 people—reflects the different sizes of the affected populations and the specific needs of each national group.