The Nigeria Police Force has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation against South African citizens or businesses operating in the country amid rising tensions linked to anti-migrant demonstrations in South Africa.
The warning followed concerns over reports of hostility directed at foreign nationals in South Africa, prompting a meeting of Nigeria’s security and intelligence chiefs to assess the situation.
Although South African authorities have not officially confirmed attacks on Nigerians, the government has condemned criminal acts targeting foreign nationals as protests against undocumented migrants continue in parts of the country.
Several African nations have also advised their citizens in South Africa to remain cautious. Ghana recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals, citing security concerns.
Speaking on the development, senior police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa urged Nigerians not to resort to self-help or violence.
“We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad,” Giwa said.
“As an institution dedicated to protecting Nigerian lives, we understand these concerns deeply.”
He, however, stressed the need for restraint, adding: “However, this is a time for calm and restraint.”
According to him, the Nigerian government is already handling the issue through diplomatic channels and high-level engagements.
“The matter is being addressed by the government at the highest levels,” he stated.
The police also disclosed that security around foreign embassies, key infrastructure and other sensitive locations across Nigeria has been strengthened to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
They warned that any attempt to target South African interests in Nigeria would attract legal consequences.
“Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act,” the police said.
The anti-migrant protests in South Africa have been driven by claims that undocumented foreigners are contributing to crime and placing pressure on public services. Demonstrators have called on authorities to tighten immigration enforcement and remove illegal migrants from the country.
The protests are being championed by a group known as March and March, which has demanded that undocumented migrants leave South Africa before June 30.
Similar tensions in the past have led to diplomatic disputes between Nigeria and South Africa, with outbreaks of xenophobic violence triggering retaliatory attacks on some South African-owned businesses in Nigeria.
