Hundreds of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived in Lagos, bringing with them accounts of intimidation, economic hardship and growing hostility they say forced them to abandon their lives and return home.
The latest batch of 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday under an assisted repatriation programme. Many described leaving behind businesses, jobs, homes and, in some cases, family members as xenophobic tensions worsened.
Several returnees alleged that foreigners, particularly Nigerians and other African migrants, increasingly faced harassment, threats and discrimination in communities across South Africa.
One returnee, who had worked as a mechanic for years before leaving, said fear became part of daily life as migrants were frequently targeted by criminals and subjected to abuse. He claimed some foreigners were attacked or robbed without receiving adequate protection from law enforcement agencies.
Others accused security officials of harassment and extortion, alleging that migrants were often stopped and pressured to part with money under various pretexts.
For many of those who returned, the loss of economic opportunities was the final trigger. Some said their businesses were shut down over documentation disputes, while others claimed they were prevented from renewing permits despite previously holding valid residency papers.
A female returnee recounted how the closure of her small business effectively ended her means of livelihood, leaving her with little choice but to leave the country. Another migrant said authorities rejected his application to renew residency documents and encouraged foreigners to return to their home countries.
The experiences shared by the returnees point to a wider atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty that has affected many migrant communities in South Africa in recent months.
The situation has also taken a personal toll. One returnee revealed that he returned to Nigeria alone after losing his source of income, leaving his wife and children behind in South Africa. Although separated from his family, he said he chose to prioritise his safety and had no plans to return.
The latest evacuation has renewed attention on recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced hostility linked to economic pressures, unemployment and social tensions.
While calls have been made in Nigeria for stronger diplomatic and economic responses to the attacks, no official retaliatory measures have been announced.
For the returnees, however, the focus is now on rebuilding their lives. Many expressed relief at being back in Nigeria despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, saying the opportunity to live and work without fear was more important than the businesses and investments they were forced to leave behind.
