Nigerian police warn against reprisal attacks on South Africans amid anti-migrant protests
via The Namibian2 min read
Nigerian police have issued a warning against reprisal attacks on South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria, following reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. This warning comes after a meeting of security and intelligence chiefs, despite South African police not confirming any attacks on foreigners. Tensions have been escalating in South Africa due to recent anti-migrant protests, with some African countries advising their citizens to be vigilant. A senior police spokesperson, Aliyu Giwa, stated that while the institution understands the pain and anger caused by attacks on Nigerians abroad, calm and restraint are necessary, as violence would only create more crises. The Nigerian government is addressing the matter at the highest levels, and additional security measures have been implemented around foreign missions and sensitive locations. The police emphasized that any targeting of South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, or businesses in Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act. South African protesters, organized by the group March and March, accuse undocumented migrants of straining public services and engaging in crime, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement. Past xenophobic violence in South Africa has led to diplomatic tensions and retaliatory attacks in Nigeria, including the vandalism of South African-owned businesses.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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