₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUgf-CIyQ8s?si=l7uaNdpoyDfpeaA6

Nigeria is taking steps to facilitate the permanent repatriation of its citizens from South Africa, a move that signals growing alarm over escalating anti-migrant sentiments and a climate that is becoming increasingly hostile for foreign nationals.

The announcement follows weeks of mounting tension, with protests targeting foreign nationals and renewed concern over the treatment of undocumented immigrants.

Although Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has maintained there is no accurate estimate of Nigerians living in the country illegally, reports in 2023 suggested that more than 500,000 Nigerians may be undocumented.

VIDEO: How many undocumented foreign nationals are in SA?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTYdRJYNmL0?si=cOdB6EhZdqDXFkWt

Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate is working closely with the organisation to assist those seeking to return home.

“The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing,” he said, adding that several individuals have already registered.

Many Nigerians have long viewed South Africa as a land of opportunity, but that promise is now increasingly overshadowed by fear.

Nigeria’s move to repatriate some of its citizens from South Africa comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions, violent unrest and increasingly hostile rhetoric directed at foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, across parts of the country.

In recent weeks, a series of flashpoints has underscored just how volatile the situation has become.

In the Eastern Cape, violence erupted in KuGompo after protests over the alleged coronation of a Nigerian traditional leader spiralled into chaos. Vehicles were damaged, buildings set alight and police were forced to intervene.

The unrest prompted the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to issue a stark warning, urging its citizens to “maintain a low profile at all times”, suspend social gatherings and avoid public demonstrations amid what it described as “palpable tension”.

Diplomatic strain has also begun to surface. Last month, Ghana summoned South Africa’s top envoy after a video circulated online showing a Ghanaian man being confronted and asked to produce immigration documents.

On the ground, anti-immigration movements have gained momentum.

Groups such as March and March have staged protests demanding the removal of foreign nationals from township economies, while Operation Dudula has intensified campaigns targeting foreign-owned businesses, often forcing shop closures and fueling confrontations.

The rhetoric has drawn sharp political responses.

Addressing supporters during a Workers’ Day rally in Marikana, EFF leader Julius Malema criticised the protests, warning that they risk misdirecting public anger.

“Let’s ask a question: after you march and say you don’t want Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and Ghanaians, you close their shops. Why are you then not telling us that you expelled 10 Zimbabweans and were able to give jobs to 10 South Africans,” he said.

Meanwhile, inflammatory content circulating on social media has further heightened tensions.

In one widely shared video, three Nigerian men are seen stomping on a South African flag while waving their own. In the footage, one of the men declares: “We love our country... leave us alone… stop killing our men.”

The video has sparked outrage and added fuel to an already charged environment.

Amid the rising tensions, President Cyril Ramaphosa used his recent May Day address to urge calm, calling on citizens to raise concerns about illegal migration through lawful channels rather than resorting to vigilantism.

"We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others," Ramaphosa said.

"These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our Struggle alive," Ramaphosa said.

Onyekwelu admitted that South Africa, like many nations around the world, has real problems with crime, unemployment, border security, and the strain on public resources.

“However, it is dangerous and unfair to reduce these complex socio-economic issues to anti-foreigner sentiments or to create the impression that foreign nationals are the primary cause of the country’s problems.”

“We Took Our Protest To The South African High Commission In Abuja… But The Ambassador Refused To Face Us Even With Heavy Police Presence, Cites Fear.” pic.twitter.com/MEq39CE6oX

— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) May 1, 2026

A group of Nigerians staged a protest outside the South African High Commission in Abuja, calling for the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa amid rising tensions and anti-foreigner sentiments. A clip circulating on social media shows a small group of about 12 people requesting a message with the ambassador outside the High Commission. The group claimed that they had come peacefully to deliver a message. The group was denied entry Security and police barricaded the SA High Commission building in Abuja, preventing the group from entering, an action which they found offensive.

“We are just twelve of us, but the High Commissioner said she is afraid to come out and engage with us and would rather come back later “I didn’t know these people are cowards like this," one of the protesters said. Addressing police officers stationed at the premises, one protester added:

“We just want her to know that we want them to protect our people over there.” They insisted their action was not a protest but a “notice,” alleging that “South Africans are killing Nigerians.” After a back-and-forth with officials who told them they needed to book an appointment, the group eventually dispersed.

The demonstration comes as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has raised alarm over what it describes as worsening hostility toward Nigerians and other black immigrants in parts of South Africa.

In a statement, NIDCOM Chairperson/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said there were growing reports of fear and insecurity among Nigerian nationals. The commission said reports indicate that some Nigerian-descended pupils are afraid to attend school, while business owners are reportedly staying away from their shops due to fears of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment.

NIDCOM also stressed that it rejects any form of profiling or collective blame against Nigerians. “Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” the statement read. It further warned that “collective punishment and blanket labelling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous.”

PulaPower:
How credible is the news?

Did it happen for real?

🤷🏾‍♂️ Don't know.

franchasofficia:
See them black xenophobes chesting out as if they ever made any meaningful contribution towards making South Africa a moderately developing country it is.

They even tried this xenophobic attack against whites and they chased them away and they never tried the nonsense again

South Africa was made what it is today by White South Africans but see the black South Africans fighting to destroy what White South Africans built.

Whites this, whites that. Go home and fix your country.

SA has had a black government for 32 years that has ensured we don't become a Nigeria with japa syndrome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRWKpfjj2dA?si=V57hYBecG8HkX0x7

The controversial anti-migrant movement March and March has given Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi seven days to respond to its memorandum of demands, warning that if its demands are not met, they will continue with their demonstrations.

Hundreds of protesters marched to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over alleged crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders.

The demonstrators gathered at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown before marching to the legislature.

Participants included members of March and March, Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the MK Party.

The groups accuse the government of failing to act decisively against undocumented migration.

The march took place under heavy police and metro police presence. Tensions escalated in the Johannesburg CBD, where members of the March and March group, some carrying sjamboks (whips), ordered foreign shop owners to close their businesses.

Several businesses shut down as tensions rose and threats intensified.

Addressing supporters at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma said they want all illegal foreigners returned to their countries.

“We want all the stores in the city premier to be owned by South African citizens.”

“What we are demanding, as we have seen from the SIU (Special Investigating Unit), is action against those who obtain documents unlawfully to remain in the country. We want every person who enters South Africa to have their documentation reviewed and for those found to be in the country illegally to be deported to their country of origin.”

Zuma also criticised the police, saying there are corrupt officers working with illegal foreigners.

“We want police officers who have integrity. If your seniors are working with illegal foreigners that has got nothing to do with you. Down with corrupt police officers down! Down with corrupt police officers! If your seniors are corrupt they must also be arrested.”

She also accused the government of failing to act decisively against undocumented migration.

The group is calling for tighter immigration controls, stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals, accountability for corrupt police officers, and limits on services for undocumented migrants.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba told IOL News that the party wants all undocumented immigrants sent back to their countries.

“We want all the government to send all illegal foreigners back to their countries, we have got enough of our own problems. We have been asking for a long time and now we say enough is enough and get these people out of our country so that we can deal with our own problems.”

Mashaba claimed inaction could fuel xenophobia.

“By not having this march I can tell you it's going to incite xenophobia, right now I am dealing with a case of the disappearance of Mazwi Khubheka, a 27-year-old from Vosloorus, who was kidnapped and hijacked by foreigners nationwide.”

He added, “Now you expect us to sit back and say we’re going to incite xenophobia? In fact by not doing anything we are going to allow ourselves to be taken over by criminal syndicates. If our government had dealt with this 20 years ago we would not be dealing with this situation.”

Khubheka went missing on April 2 while on his way to deposit rent money and purchase stock in Marimba Gardens.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi received the protesters’ memorandum but declined to address the crowd at length, saying the government would respond within seven days.

However, he was booed as he left the gathering shortly after speaking.

Similar protests have also been seen in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape as the movement gains momentum.

In a statement after the march, the government said it noted ongoing public discourse on immigration and reaffirmed its commitment to sovereignty, security and the rule of law.

Government spokesperson William Baloyi said efforts are being strengthened to address illegal immigration, including tighter border controls and reforms to the immigration system.

“(The) government is strengthening measures to address illegal immigration, including tightening border controls to combat unlawful entry, illicit trade, and fraudulent activities that undermine revenue collection and the rule of law.”

“These efforts form part of a broader programme to modernise and reform South Africa’s immigration and border management system into one that is secure, efficient, and responsive to the needs of a modern economy.”

He said reforms include the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and upgrades at major ports of entry, including Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg.

Baloyi said deportations have increased by 46% and that since April 2023 the Border Management Authority has deported 500,000 people.

He added that 10,000 additional labour inspectors will be hired to strengthen enforcement of labour laws.

Baloyi said the government will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that immigration is managed in a manner that protects national interests and the safety of citizens, while promoting economic growth and maintaining social cohesion.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking during his Freedom Day address over the weekend, called for restraint and warned against xenophobia, saying South Africa’s freedom struggle was supported by African countries.

“We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.”

“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.”

“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.”

Nlfpmod

kullozone:
Non of you guys are exempted from the xenophobic issue. You all support it one way or the other... Even your president and security operatives. We watched videos of local security operatives initiating these attacks and also doing nothing to prevent or stop them.
There's no excuse on this... You'll be very insincere if you try to defend anything. It is too bad. If you don't want immigrants, the authorities can round up people and deport them instead this unjustified citizen crowd violence.
There's one witch called Jacinta who lies and breathes wickedness all because she thinks immigrants/Nigerians are taking their "jabs"

I condemn the rubbish going on in my country every single day.

Take us to the ICJ and we'll be the ones proving Nigeria is exporting criminals to the world. Ask Israel what we did to them - no African country can touch us when they're exporting criminals and illegal aliens.

We look forward to the investigations - SA military and metro cops are not known for brutality. The wild Nigerians provoked them

Jangbajantis:
Even if it’s “law enforcement,” that doesn’t automatically settle anything. People dying in YOUR custody or after arrest still raises serious questions that can’t just be waved off.

And “it’s not xenophobia” isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card for accountability. If there’s any abuse of power, it still has to be fully investigated and explained.

At the same time, let’s stick to facts and due process.Bottom line: African lives shouldn’t need debates or labels before they’re treated with dignity and proper accountability.

The headline says it's xenophobia and all comments are taking it as gospel truth. Deal with that misrepresentation first.

Lionessza6:
"After an altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police"


Ok.

https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2024-04-27-eight-nigerian-men-accused-of-attacking-cops-remain-behind-bars/

Maybe it was an altercation like the above ?

My thoughts exactly - they're in the habit of getting into altercations with law enforcement officers and expect not to get gunner down. Something South Africans don't do around our cops.

I don't believe this report, by the way.

Allegedly killed by law enforcement officers (military and metro cops). This is hardly xenophobic violence. Are Nigerians going to ask the relevant questions as to the circumstances that led to this or automatically conclude it's xenophobic attacks?

IronGalaxy:
I see one xenophobia merchant watching this thread like a hawk

😂💩 Seppuku

IronGalaxy:
It lacks context for a reason, they wanna create a perception..

Unfortunately for them official investigations will contradict the misperception they intend to create. I'll be on the story 🤓

God1000:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1022821163758172/?app=fbl

What is the context for this violence - it lacks context and has therefore left the impression that it's a xenophobic attack.

I expected better from you. It's highly unlikely a set of women would attack a man for being a foreigner.

JaceBlaze:
Wait a sec...so the spineless Ghanaian president will not call his people to order for chasing Nigerian immigrants out of his country but he wants to summon our South African president to answer for ssshenophobia in SA? Whaaat?

All these African countries exporting criminals and illegal aliens should know SA is very good at building a case against other governments. They should ask Israel at the International Court of Justice.

REDshouse:
When ShopRite left it was easily occupied and taken over by indegeneous company... no one feels their impact same will happen if others leave ...you can only threaten Countries like Ghana, Kenya Lesotho etc not Nigeria....we don't care ...ask lever brothers, Dunlop etc ...who cares if they stay or leave

The same Shoprite with empty stores and shelves today? 😂😂😂

femi4:
See who's talking about ebola...the HQ of hiv

Look who's talking... The one obsessed with the HQ of HIV and it's women.

femi4:
See who's talking about ebola...the HQ of hiv

Look who's talking... The one obsessed with the HQ of HIV and it's women.

Glister:
That's just to show how primitive u are...Pls dont be a dullardiho. We are in 2026.
Safe ur kids from embarrassment ooo..People hv been migrating for centuries..read my lips for centuries!!!..before I was born, after I was born, after I leave the earth, people will still migrate .we are humans we are not trees..We are meant to move around and see places and experience other worldsand cultures and possibly some hv met the love of their lives that way.which is perfectly OK!!
There are many S.Ass married to Nigerians, living in Nigeria. Example was d late Pastor of Fountain of life church who married a S.Awoman..and when I was in school.If u dont believe me ask the Chinese or Indians why they move around.
We had some white British linguistics students and so on in d university studying here..woohhh I am tired jare..
The last time I was in an office run by an arm of MTN I met S.A's as front men and .i politely greeted .they cane to work.wohh arguing with u guys is like talking to some one living in year 1321 .I rest my case.

Save it, you have a japa pandemic - that's why the word has even entered your lexicon. It's not coz you're travellers - it's coz you're desperate and it's for survival.

Glister:
Plenty ooo..But its just that we dont go about asking other black people like us to show us their documents..Some came to do olosho work sef. But they are living quiet lives.No body got time for that here t[b]o be checking any1..we are not as jobless[/b] like that People are looking for daily bread here.

If you were not jobless you wouldn't be the japa-gerian capital of the world. Sit down.

LeeSmart:
What is this one saying?
I have an illegal south Africa migrant who works for me here in portharcourt, but man is living his best life without any disturbance from the authorities or citizens here.

Have noticed that you're a xenophobic fellow here on nairaland.

Learn the meaning of xenophobia. I'm talking about illegal aliens and not documented African migrants which I don't have a problem with for reasons we can discuss.

Has your illegal South African's mental health been checked. Can't imagine moving from SA to Nigeria for a better life😂 He was most probably deceived into moving there and then found himself stranded. I've spoken to Nigerians before who described the country as the best thing since sliced bread unaware I know the

femi4:
You must be living in stone age

The South African Constitution guarantees everyone access to healthcare services. As such, everyone living in South Africa, including expats, refugees, and asylum seekers, is entitled to healthcare. Thus, expats qualify to visit public healthcare facilities simply based on living in the country.

Primary healthcare so that you don't bring us ebola, but still required to have healthcare insurance when you apply for visa.

femi4:
It goes beyond Ghanians

She was in hospital the other day telling docs not to attend to non SA patients

SA healthcare facilities are free for citizens and undocumented immigrants don't qualify. So if you can't show proof you're legal Dudula has taken it upon themselves to turn you away - it's tax payers money. If I come to Nigeria I have to pay for everything as a foreigner - true or false?

femi4:
That woman don't care if you are in SA legally or illegally...she just don't want to see other Africans. That's Afrophobia n it should be condemned

Ghana should prove that. Right now she caught someone breaking the law - can we talk about the crime?

REDshouse:
Whether legally or illegally what are they doing in other people's country...what are they looking for ...if they can get all they need and wants in their country why are they migrating

South Africa has multinational companies, have you not noticed? Why would we leave SA to go live in a less developed country? All of Africa is less developed than SA and therefore not attractive to us.

If you chase us out, we leave with our DSTVs, Stanbic, Shoprite, MTN, etc.

femi4:
Ignorance

Do you know how many south africans are living in other African Countries

Legally.

Show me a South African living in another country illegally. That makes you a criminal.

JUST IN 🚨🇿🇦
Sad scenes 🥹

A group of South African locals questioned a Ghanaian man over alleged overstaying, telling him to return to Ghana and push for change at home, claiming they are "fixing the continent" a situation raising fresh concerns about xenophobia in South… pic.twitter.com/d925MoyEuA

— Nonfa KING (@ajeezayGH) April 22, 2026

The viral video where members of Operation Dudula (an anti-immigration organisation and registered political party) confronted a Ghanaian man who had allegedly overstayed his visit to South Africa has caused a diplomatic row between the two countries.

Here's why I think the Ghanaian government has a weak case:

1. Their citizen has potentially committed a crime in SA by flouting immigration rules - he's allegedly now living and working in SA on an expired tourist visa.

2. Operation Dudula did not assault the Ghanaian, they simply lectured him on their anti-immigration stance.

3. The South African government has committed to investigate the matter, which would compel it to either arrest or deport the Ghanaian national should he infact be an illegal alien.

4. South Africa can request Ghana for reasons why her citizens resort to illegal migration (i.e. find the country uninhabitable).

Your thoughts?

Renowned South African crime journalist Yusuf Abramjee posted a picture of a suspect who is wanted for allegedly being part of a Volkswagen Polo theft syndicate operating in Johannesburg.

Netizens jokingly made comparisons of the suspect to Kanye West, who was recently barred from entering the United Kingdom. Others accused Abramjee of misusing AI enhancement tools.

Abramjee has close to a million followers on X.

seppuku:
He's not going to jail, stop deceiving people.

At this point he is destined for prison until his appeal is successful.