Expedite Action On Our Repatriation – Nigerians In South Africa Beg FG

Nigerians resident in South Africa have engaged in peaceful protest over the delay in their repatriation from the troubled country by the Federal Government as the June 30 deadline approaches.

Making their views known at the Nigeria high commission office in South Africa, the people lamented that they have not gotten any concrete answer regarding when they would be airlifted to Nigeria.

While expressing fears that they may be facing a precarious situation, they appealed to the federal government to act fast in order to prevent avoidable regrets.

Reacting to their requests, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, assured them that plan to repatriate citizens has not been abandoned, despite a temporary suspension caused by operational constraints.

He told the concerned and frustrated Nigerians in Pretoria, many of whom had gathered to seek assistance with voluntary repatriation that nobody will be left in the Xenophobic country at the end of the deadline.

Meanwhile, the South African police through the acting police minister Firoz Cachalia on Monday assured that they would strengthen deployments nationwide ahead of a June 30 deadline set by fringe anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave.

The country has been on edge following weeks of sometimes violent xenophobic unrest that has left at least two people dead.

Small but organised groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to exit or face consequences, a demand with no legal force.

“The South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” he announced.

He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but warned: “Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated”.

In his reaction, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the military would secure strategic sites such as airports and stand ready to assist police if needed.