Nigerians in South Africa advised to take precautions amid anti-foreigner protests
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM has issued a safety alert to Nigerians residing in South Africa, urging them to adhere to advisories from the Nigerian Consulate General following an increase in anti-foreigner protests. A circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, dated April 22, 2026, reported violent demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which included looting, property damage, and injuries. NiDCOM, through its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated that intelligence indicates further protests are planned in Gauteng Province from April 27 to 29, 2026. These demonstrations aim to pressure the South African government regarding the presence of foreign nationals. NiDCOM advises Nigerian citizens to avoid confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media for safety updates, while also urging them to remain law-abiding. Nigerian business owners are advised to temporarily 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. NiDCOM reiterated its support for Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, confirming the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is operational and collaborating with South African police to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals. The commission also noted that the Minister of State for For
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Must ReadNigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that the Federal Government is considering retaliatory measures against South Africa due to the alleged harassment and attacks on Nigerian citizens there. She indicated that while a decision would be made at the highest level of government, it is not off the table. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria's dissatisfaction, citing the country's past sacrifices and contributions to South Africa's struggle for independence. She refuted claims that affected Nigerians were largely illegal migrants, asserting that many were legitimate business owners whose properties have been looted and destroyed. The minister confirmed that arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerian citizens willing to return home are being finalized, with President Bola Tinubu directing the establishment of a crisis response unit in Nigeria's diplomatic missions in South Africa to assist affected citizens. The evacuation exercise, extended to June 10, 2026, is a collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency. Over 500 Nigerians have been screened, and more than 1,000 have expressed interest in returning. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated his government's commitment to lawful migration management, condemning violence, intimidation, and xenophobia.
Must ReadLieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called on Nigeria's banking sector to strengthen efforts against terrorism financing and illicit financial flows. During a courtesy visit from Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa, Shaibu emphasized the financial industry's critical role in national security. He urged Alawuba, in his capacity as Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, to mobilize the banking industry to enhance financial surveillance and intelligence-sharing to detect and block suspicious transactions related to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Shaibu also discussed military personnel welfare, revealing a partnership with UBA for mortgage schemes and housing initiatives for soldiers. Alawuba reaffirmed UBA's commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army with tailored financial solutions, including mortgage financing and assistance for military infrastructure projects and personnel welfare. The meeting highlighted efforts by Nigeria's military leadership to build private sector partnerships to address security and welfare challenges.
Must ReadFifty elders from Magamin Diddi village in Zamfara State were abducted by bandits during a peace meeting. The elders, from the Magami/Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area, were reportedly taken captive on Sunday after being delegated to meet with the bandits in the forest for dialogue. A local resident, Musa Sani, stated that the community sought reconciliation to allow residents to return to their farms, but the bandits instead kidnapped the elders. The Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that the community did not inform authorities about the reconciliation effort. Dosara expressed concern, emphasizing that both local and state governments oppose reconciliation with bandits, citing Governor Dauda Lawal's stance. He also mentioned that bandits had recently blocked roads to the community market due to the killing of their members by security operatives. Dosara questioned the community's decision to meet with the bandits, who he suggested were seeking retaliation. He confirmed that 11 of the abducted elders have since been released, while 39 remain in captivity.