Nigerian Consulate Offers Free Repatriation Flights as Unrest Escalates in South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, in partnership with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has announced a free repatriation programme for Nigerians willing to permanently return home amid rising unrest and anti-foreigner violence in the country.

The initiative comes as growing tensions across several South African cities continue to leave many Nigerians fearful for their safety, businesses, and overall well-being.

Speaking on the development, NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu confirmed that the repatriation process is already underway, with several Nigerians showing interest in taking advantage of the opportunity.

According to him, the free flight arrangement is specifically for Nigerians who have decided to permanently relocate back to Nigeria as security concerns worsen.

He explained that while there is currently no structured financial support system in place for Nigerians whose businesses or properties have been affected, the consulate’s intervention offers a practical exit option for those no longer willing to remain in the country.

Onyekwelu also revealed that many Nigerians have already begun indicating their readiness to leave South Africa, reflecting the level of fear and uncertainty within the diaspora community.

The decision follows a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and violence reported across major South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Reports indicate that the unrest has involved harassment, looting, vandalism, attacks on foreign-owned businesses, and physical assaults, creating panic among migrant communities. Many Nigerian-owned shops and businesses have reportedly been forced to shut down temporarily as a precautionary measure.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had earlier advised Nigerian business owners in South Africa to suspend operations temporarily in order to minimise losses and protect lives amid the violence.

Community groups and anti-immigration movements are said to be driving the demonstrations. Among the groups reportedly involved are Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and other local organisations campaigning against illegal immigration and foreign economic participation.

These groups have consistently accused undocumented migrants and foreign nationals of contributing to crime, unemployment, and economic hardship in South Africa. Their protests have often targeted migrants from across the continent, particularly nationals from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.

Tragically, the latest unrest has already claimed Nigerian lives. The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerians, identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate attacks linked to the anti-foreigner violence.

The deaths have further heightened concerns within Nigeria’s diaspora community and intensified calls for stronger protection measures.

For many Nigerians living in South Africa, the recurring violence has become more than just a security issue. Affected residents say the constant fear, business disruptions, and uncertainty have taken a heavy emotional and financial toll, threatening both their livelihoods and mental health.

South Africa has long struggled with periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often triggered by economic frustration, unemployment, and tensions over migration. Foreign nationals, particularly other Africans, have repeatedly found themselves at the centre of these attacks.