Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in South Africa following renewed anti-foreigner protests and reported xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.
According to NiDCOM, the warning followed an official circular from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg dated April 22, 2026. The circular said demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent, with reports of looting, property damage and injuries.
The commission said intelligence received from the consulate indicated that further protests were being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, with demonstrators reportedly protesting the presence of foreign nationals.
NiDCOM advised Nigerians in South Africa to avoid confrontation with protesters, stay away from demonstration groups, monitor local media for real-time updates, and remain law-abiding. Nigerian business owners were also advised to close shops on April 27, South Africa’s Freedom Day, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29 due to the risk of attacks on foreign-owned businesses during unrest.
The commission added that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg remains operational and is working with South African police authorities regarding the safety of Nigerian nationals. It also said Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was engaging South African officials over the situation.
Separately, South African authorities on Friday said they would crack down on anyone involved in xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians and other Africans, after videos of harassment circulated online. South African officials said those responsible would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
South Africa has experienced previous waves of xenophobic violence over the years, particularly during periods of economic pressure and social tension, with migrants often targeted.
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