Returnees arrive in Lagos as anti-migrant attacks force thousands of foreigners to leave South Africa.
A total of 67 Nigerians have returned from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks and growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight at about 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday and were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
NEMA South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the return was facilitated by Nigerians who provided financial assistance, including payment for flight tickets.
The latest batch follows the return of 83 Nigerians from South Africa last Thursday, bringing the number of Nigerians repatriated in the recent exercise to 150.
South Africa has experienced recurring anti-migrant violence for nearly two decades, with tensions intensifying this year after vigilante groups reportedly ordered undocumented foreigners to leave by June 30.
More than 176,000 people have reportedly left South Africa in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their nationals.
At least four migrants have been killed in the violence, according to South African police, although some foreign governments have reported higher figures.
Nigeria and Ghana have called for the issue of anti-migrant violence to be discussed at the African Union, amid growing concerns over the safety of African nationals living in South Africa.