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According to a report by The Sun on Saturday, June 13, 2026, Air Peace airline, the carrier that transported the returnees from South Africa, confirmed that the flight conveying the affected Nigerians landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The aircraft arrived with the first group of Nigerians evacuated following a surge of xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.
The returnees were part of a coordinated effort to bring citizens back home after attacks that had escalated in several communities, targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.
The evacuation came in the aftermath of violent incidents in which groups of armed individuals reportedly stormed settlements and business areas occupied by migrants.
The attackers, acting in mobs, used dangerous weapons to unleash violence on residents they identified as foreigners.
The situation was especially severe for Black African migrants, with many Nigerians bearing the brunt of the assaults.
The unrest was largely driven by claims from the attackers that foreigners were occupying jobs meant for South African citizens.
During the period of the attacks, the South African government was widely reported to have maintained a passive stance, with limited visible intervention to stop the violence as it unfolded.
Migrants were subjected to killings, injuries, and widespread destruction of property, including shops and other business premises.
The situation left many foreign residents exposed and vulnerable, forcing several to flee their homes and workplaces in search of safety.
Upon arrival in Lagos, some of the returnees began sharing their experiences of what they went through before leaving South Africa.
Many of them described being singled out and profiled based on their nationality, with accusations leveled against them alleging involvement in criminal activities.
Several said they were told to leave the country under false assumptions and accusations, which contributed to the growing tension that preceded their departure.
One of the returnees recounted a specific incident involving his business, explaining that his clothing shop was attacked during the violence.
According to him, the shop was looted by assailants who accused Nigerians of being involved in drug-related activities.
He stated that during the raid, he was physically assaulted despite the fact that his business only dealt in second-hand clothing.
The experience, he noted, resulted in the loss of goods and damage to his livelihood.
Another returnee described the perception among some South Africans that Nigerians were occupying employment opportunities meant for locals.
He explained that this belief fueled resentment and contributed to hostility against foreign nationals.
He emphasized that successful Nigerians in particular were often targeted due to assumptions about their economic activities and achievements within the country.
“They get jealous and envious of successful Nigerians,” he added.
