Nigerians who recently returned from South Africa have shared harrowing accounts of discrimination, extortion, and insecurity during their stay in the country, with many expressing relief to be back home.
Returnees Allege Harsh Treatment
According to reports, the first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks arrived at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday, June 11. Speaking to Vanguard, the returnees described a deteriorating situation for African migrants, particularly Nigerians.
Chukwuemeka Chris Okeke, one of the returnees, expressed gratitude for the support received and stated, "There is no place like home. We are passing through a lot in South Africa."
Threats and Extortion
Another returnee, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, provided a more detailed account, alleging that hostility toward foreigners had escalated. He claimed that Nigerians and other Africans were often targeted and intimidated, with threats of violence becoming common. "They said they will start shooting at the remaining people who do not want to go home," Nwachukwu recounted.
He also accused security personnel of routinely extorting migrants once they were identified as foreigners. "Once they know you are a Nigerian, police and other security agencies will come to extort you," he said.
Documentation Challenges
Nwachukwu highlighted difficulties with immigration documents, noting that many migrants struggled to renew their papers, leaving them vulnerable to arrests. "They say we are staying illegally, but they are not giving people documents. How can you not document people and then start tagging them as illegal immigrants?" he questioned.
Both returnees spent between eight and ten years in South Africa before deciding to return due to rising pressure and insecurity. Nwachukwu advised Nigerians still in South Africa not to feel ashamed of returning home if conditions become difficult, emphasizing that survival should come first.
Systemic Issues and Hope for Nigeria
Despite the challenges, Okeke expressed optimism about Nigeria's future and urged citizens to work together to improve the country. The accounts add to ongoing discussions about xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Earlier reports indicated that several African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, have begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic violence. Authorities say over 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation as diplomatic and emergency efforts intensify.
