Xenophobic attacks: NiDCOM issues safety alert to Nigerians in South Africa

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to comply with safety advisories issued by the Nigerian Consulate General, following a surge in anti-foreigner protests across the country.

The warning follows an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I), dated April 22, 2026, which reported that demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage and injuries.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM disclosed that intelligence from the consulate indicates further protests are planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026.

The demonstrations are aimed at pressuring the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

“In response, NiDCOM advises all Nigerian citizens to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media for real-time safety updates.

“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” the statement said.

The commission further advised Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down their businesses to minimise risk and avoid losses.

“It is further advised that Nigerian business owners should close their shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest,” the statement added.

NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains fully operational and is working closely with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals.

The commission also disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging with her South African counterpart over the situation.

The development comes less than a month after protests erupted in East London, South Africa, over the coronation of a traditional leader by Nigeria’s Igbo community.

The move sparked anger among some groups in the area, who resorted to violence, attacking foreigners and torching businesses and properties.

Fresh incidents of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants have since been reported, with some South Africans allegedly demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.

Several viral videos circulating on social media show groups of South Africans confronting, and in some cases assaulting, African immigrants while demanding their exit.

In one video, a group confronts a Ghanaian national, questioning his decision to relocate to South Africa.

“This thing of you moving from one country to another is no longer working. We don’t want these African people anymore. We want you to fix your countries,” she said.

Afterwards, in the same clip, a man spoke up, questioning the legality of the Ghanaian’s documents, accusing him of fraud and warning others to leave or risk being targeted.

A separate video captures the assault of a man reportedly identified as a South African who was mistaken for a foreigner by the mob that attacked him.

In another recording, a South African man criticised foreigners for “sleeping comfortably” while locals struggle and sleep outside in the cold.

“They must go back to their countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents of Mthatha in Eastern Cape Province are expected to stage a protest over concerns about the presence of foreign nationals and limited job opportunities for locals.

Another video shows a South African man in a hospital waiting area demanding that foreign nationals in the area leave the premises.