Yasmin Bilal
As repatriation efforts continue, Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation following the killing of two of its citizens, warning that it is closely monitoring the situation and may take further action if accountability is not ensured.
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja said the incidents raise serious concern over the safety of Nigerians abroad and called for swift, transparent investigations. It said one victim was allegedly killed by police officers, while another died in a separate incident.
Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria will continue pressing for accountability through diplomatic channels and expects due process to be followed, adding that all options remain on the table.
The development comes as African countries step up coordinated repatriation efforts, with several governments accelerating programmes aimed at bringing citizens home.
Nigeria has expanded its evacuation effort, funding charter flights that have returned more than 600 citizens so far.
Uganda has launched a voluntary return programme, with hundreds of nationals already flown home and more expected under ongoing arrangements.
Kenya is also assisting citizens through organised return flights following recent unrest and tightened enforcement measures.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi are also carrying out similar repatriation programmes as regional pressure grows.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs says more than 3,400 undocumented migrants have been processed through the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre, which works with the Border Management Authority.
Officials say the facility remains a key hub for managing returns in an orderly and structured manner as enforcement operations continue.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said government has processed more than 500 buses as part of ongoing repatriation operations involving thousands of people returning to their countries of origin.
He said more than 30,000 people have been repatriated from eThekwini alone, adding that about 525 buses have been processed so far, describing the operation as large-scale and highly coordinated.
Schreiber, who serves on the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, made the comments during a visit to the Beitbridge border post in Musina on Wednesday.
He said the process has been centralised to improve coordination between departments, with Home Affairs, the South African Police Service and other agencies operating from a single facility.
The Minister said the operation is complex and requires close planning. He added that around 4,000 people were still being accommodated at the Showgrounds during his visit, and would be moved to a temporary repatriation facility built by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Schreiber said the new facility is designed to improve conditions, providing water, food, ablutions and full processing services in one location.
He added that government continues to manage migration through coordinated, lawful and constitutional measures, with the IMC reaffirming its focus on secure borders, fair systems and the protection of human dignity.