Sixty-seven Nigerians have returned to the country from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and growing tensions involving foreign nationals in the southern African nation.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos at about 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday aboard South African Airways.
They were received by officials from several Federal Government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
NEMA’s South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the latest return was facilitated with support from Nigerians who provided assistance, including funds for flight tickets and other needs.
The development comes less than a week after another batch of 83 Nigerians returned from South Africa.
South Africa has remained a major destination for migrants from across Africa, but the country has also experienced recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
The latest tensions intensified after vigilante groups reportedly called on undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30.
More than 176,000 people have reportedly left South Africa in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures from African countries that have repatriated their nationals.
South African police have reported that at least four migrants have been killed in the violence, although some foreign governments have put the figure higher.
The recurring attacks have also created diplomatic concerns across the continent. Ghana has called for the African Union to debate the issue of anti-migrant violence at its next summit, while Nigeria has similarly pushed for the matter to be placed on the AU agenda.
Nigeria and South Africa have previously experienced diplomatic tensions over attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The latest return of Nigerians adds to growing efforts to assist citizens affected by the deteriorating security situation and provide them with safe passage back home.