The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to exercise caution following reports of escalating anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
The warning followed an advisory issued by the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, which alerted citizens to growing tensions and security concerns.
According to the consulate, protests in cities including Cape Town, Durban and East London, as well as areas in KwaZulu-Natal, have turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property and injuries.
The mission also disclosed that fresh demonstrations are planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, with organisers seeking to pressure authorities over the presence of foreign nationals.
In response, NiDCOM urged Nigerians to avoid protest areas and refrain from engaging demonstrators, stressing the need to stay updated through credible local media channels.
“Nigerian nationals should remain law-abiding at all times and avoid confrontations. Business owners are advised to take precautionary measures, including closing their shops on Freedom Day and possibly in the days following, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted,” the commission stated.
The agency also expressed support for the position of the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the mission remains operational and is working with local security authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, NiDCOM said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging her South African counterpart to strengthen measures aimed at protecting Nigerian lives and property.
