South Africa repatriates hundreds of Nigerians amid immigration crackdown
South Africa has started sending back 586 Nigerians found to be living in the country illegally. The first group of 258 returnees arrived in Lagos on June 11, 2026, with another flight scheduled for June 15, 2026. The operation comes as South African authorities intensify efforts to enforce immigration laws and address concerns over xenophobic attacks. Nigerian officials, including Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Sola Enikanolaiye, have been actively involved in receiving and supporting the returnees.
What happened
- The first repatriation flight left South Africa on the morning of June 11, 2026, carrying 268 Nigerians.
- A second flight is scheduled for June 15, 2026, to transport the remaining individuals.
- All 586 Nigerians processed for repatriation were issued emergency travel documents by the Nigerian High Commission.
- Those repatriated have been declared undesirable persons and are barred from re-entering South Africa for five years.
- Nigerian officials, including Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Sola Enikanolaiye, praised the operation and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
