271 Nigerians flee South Africa xenophobia, return home seeking government aid
On June 30, 2026, protesters from the "March and March" and Operation Dudula movements marched in Johannesburg demanding undocumented foreigners leave South Africa, amid rising xenophobic violence. As a result, 271 Nigerians have been evacuated and returned to Nigeria, citing looted shops, attacked homes, police extortion, and harassment despite having valid documents.
The returnees describe living in constant fear, with many abandoning businesses and belongings to escape violence. They appealed to the Nigerian government for financial assistance to rebuild their lives. Officials said they will receive psychosocial care, dignity kits, profiling, skills training, and livelihood support as part of reintegration. This highlights the impact of xenophobia on Nigerians abroad and the pressure on Nigeria's reintegration programs.
The evacuations underscore the worsening hostility toward foreigners in South Africa, prompting Nigerians to seek safety home. With official support promised, returnees now hope to start afresh - will the government's aid package be sufficient and timely to help them rebuild, or will they need additional community and private-sector assistance to truly recover?