At least 1,695 Nigerians have been brought back from South Africa this year as concerns over xenophobic attacks and fresh threats against foreigners continue to grow.
The figure was disclosed on Friday by Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Ajayi Alexander, during an interaction with participants of the MTN Media Innovation Programme in Pretoria.
Alexander said the Nigerian government facilitated the return of 1,490 citizens, while 205 others were assisted by private individuals.
He explained that the Federal Government paid for five evacuation flights, with each carrying over 200 Nigerians. The diplomatic mission also provided one-way air tickets in batches for citizens who wanted to return to Nigeria.
The envoy noted that the exercise was voluntary and that some people who had initially indicated interest in returning eventually did not report for their flights.
Among those who returned were Nigerians who had businesses or property in South Africa, as well as legal residents whose permits could not be renewed on time.
According to Alexander, another evacuation is being considered following an offer by the Redeemed Christian Church of God to sponsor the return of 500 Nigerians.
He called on other organisations and individuals to support the evacuation efforts, particularly as anti-foreigner groups have issued new threats and reportedly demanded that foreigners leave South Africa before the end of September.
“We are not taking that threat lightly,” Alexander said, stressing that the mission’s major concern was preventing Nigerians from becoming victims of violence.
He, however, said the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa remained cordial despite the recurring attacks on Nigerians.
The two countries have been working on measures to address xenophobia, including mechanisms for preventing attacks, prosecuting perpetrators and protecting the rights of affected Nigerians.
Alexander also disclosed that a proposed early-warning system designed to enable both governments to share information about possible threats had yet to be activated, despite being under discussion for several years.
The latest threats have revived memories of the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which led to the evacuation of Nigerians who wanted to return home.
The Nigerian mission, Alexander assured, would continue to assist citizens who wish to leave South Africa while taking steps to protect those who remain in the country.
