Nigeria to repatriate more than 1,000 nationals from South Africa

Nigeria says it will repatriate more than 1,000 of its nationals from South Africa amid a new flare-up of anti-immigrant violence in the country.

West African neighbours follow a growing pattern

The decision by Nigeria comes as other African governments move to bring citizens home. Ghana has announced repatriation plans after more than 1,500 applications from Ghanaians living in South Africa.

Impact on Mozambican nationals

The Mozambican government said that five nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa. The government press office also said that around 800 Mozambican nationals were caught up in the violence that broke out in Mossel Bay on Friday.

Cross-border movements

The Border Management Authority reported that it processed the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals from South Africa to Mozambique through the Lebombo Port of Entry on 3 June 2026. The authority said those departures were part of a coordinated operation.

Wider context

South Africa has experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence over past decades, and the current flare-up has included reports of vigilantes going door-to-door to tell foreign nationals to leave by June 30.

Ongoing coverage

This remains a developing story.