ATLANTA (Running Africa) — Nigeria says it will pursue compensation from South Africa for citizens who were forced to abandon businesses, vehicles and other property while fleeing the recent wave of anti-migrant protests targeting undocumented foreigners.

Nigerian authorities have begun documenting assets left behind by affected nationals, including businesses, vehicles and personal property. Officials said all compensation claims will be verified before being formally presented to the South African government through diplomatic channels.

The move follows weeks of unrest that have prompted the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians. According to the Nigerian government, more than 600 citizens have already been repatriated, while hundreds more remain in South Africa awaiting evacuation.

Nigeria has also challenged claims by South African authorities that those returning home were living in the country illegally, maintaining that many of its citizens were lawfully residing and working in South Africa before the violence erupted.

The anti-immigration protests, fueled by demands for tougher enforcement against undocumented migrants, have triggered a broader regional exodus, with an estimated 25,000 African migrants leaving South Africa in recent weeks.

South African police say they have arrested around 900 people, primarily on immigration-related offences and allegations of looting during the unrest.

Despite the growing diplomatic tensions, Nigeria said it remains committed to engaging with South Africa through bilateral channels and plans to raise the compensation issue during high-level diplomatic discussions.

The latest developments underscore the widening regional impact of South Africa’s anti-migrant unrest, as African governments continue to call for stronger protections for foreign nationals and accountability for losses suffered during the violence.