First Repatriation Flight Takes 268 Nigerians Home, Home Affairs Says None Were In SA Legally

The first group of Nigerian nationals participating in a voluntary repatriation programme departed South Africa on Wednesday evening from OR Tambo International Airport.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirmed that 268 people boarded a flight back to Nigeria as part of an initiative coordinated between the South African and Nigerian governments. The departures come amid growing tensions linked to planned anti-illegal immigration demonstrations scheduled for 30 June.

Nigerian Repatriation Flight Leaves OR Tambo Amid Rising Tensions

The Nigerian repatriation process follows increasing concerns among foreign nationals ahead of demonstrations being organised by anti-immigration groups across South Africa.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, recently expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, she indicated that Nigeria was considering possible responses to incidents involving its nationals.

“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government. But it is not off the table.”

The minister also accused South African authorities of failing to adequately protect Nigerian citizens.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Land Reform Ministry Rejects Phakel’umthakathi Allegations And Signals Legal Action

“Citizens are being harassed. Their properties are being looted. Criminal actions are perpetrated on our citizens. The police refuse to do anything. The South African government has not come out strongly — firmly — enough to condemn these incidents. So our citizens are in peril. They are in distress.”

Home Affairs Says Repatriated Nigerians Were In South Africa Illegally

The Department of Home Affairs said none of the 268 Nigerian nationals who departed on Wednesday were legally residing in South Africa.

Head of immigration enforcement Stephen van Neel provided the update while speaking to Newzroom Afrika at OR Tambo International Airport as buses transported passengers to the departure terminal.

The repatriation initiative is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Nigerian authorities have previously indicated that between 2,000 and 4,000 citizens could eventually be assisted to return home.

Administrative challenges reportedly delayed the arrival of an aircraft to transport those who had registered to leave South Africa voluntarily.

South Africa And Nigeria Keep Diplomatic Channels Open

The latest developments have also sparked diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Abuja, particularly following allegations concerning the deaths of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu recently cited cases involving Amamiro Chidierbere Emmanuel and Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, alleging that both deaths involved South African security personnel.

Responding to the claims, South African National Defence Force spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said: “The SANDF was not involved in any death of a civilian from Nigeria, and no one came with such evidence to us.”

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has also sought to reassure Nigeria that communication between the two countries remains active.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Cartrack Employee Alleges Staff Were Told To Stay Silent Following Gcina Dhladhla’s Death

Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation Minister Roland Lamola, said: “We attach great importance to our relations with Nigeria, and the lines of communication remain open to ensure that the quality of information before all parties is credible and accurate.”

“To this end, we have clarified to the Nigerian government that there have been no extrajudicial killings of Nigerian nationals.”

Phiri further reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s position that immigration laws must be enforced through lawful processes and by authorised officials only.

Meanwhile, reports from Durban indicate that a number of displaced Malawian nationals have sought temporary shelter after allegedly being forced from their homes. Arrangements were reportedly being made to transport some of them back to Malawi, with several claiming they were left without their travel documents.