JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – A group of Nigerian nationals gathered at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as they prepared to return home from South Africa, citing growing fears for their safety following recent unrest that has seen businesses looted and foreign nationals targeted.
The departures come amid rising tensions in parts of South Africa, where incidents of violence, intimidation and anti-foreigner sentiment have sparked concern among migrant communities, including Nigerians living and working in the country.
Speaking at the airport, Nigeria’s Consul-General to South Africa, Ninikanwa Olachi Okey-Uche, said many of those returning had lost their means of livelihood and no longer felt safe remaining in the country.
“They are going home because a lot of them don’t feel safe. Their businesses have been shut down, they can’t operate, their livelihoods have been shattered, and they are living in fear,” Okey-Uche said.
“You can be walking on the street and a fellow citizen can stop you and ask for your papers. People have been harmed, businesses have been looted. So, basically, the opportunity has been presented — come home.”
According to Nigerian diplomatic officials, many citizens have reported feeling increasingly vulnerable as incidents of harassment and violence continue to surface. Concerns have also been amplified by videos and reports widely circulated on social media, prompting some Nigerians to reconsider their future in South Africa.
Several returnees said the deteriorating security situation and uncertainty surrounding their businesses influenced their decision to leave.
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, with foreign-owned businesses often becoming targets during periods of social and economic tension. Migrants from across Africa, including Nigerians, have frequently borne the brunt of such attacks.
South African authorities have condemned attacks on foreign nationals and maintain that security agencies are working to restore order and prevent further violence. However, many migrants remain uneasy, with some opting to return to their home countries rather than risk further losses or potential harm.
The latest departures highlight the ongoing challenges facing migrant communities in South Africa and have renewed concerns about the impact of xenophobia on regional integration, economic opportunity and social cohesion across the continent.
