Nigeria issues urgent warning to citizens as anti-foreigner protests rock South Africa

Nigeria’s government issued an urgent security advisory over the weekend, warning its citizens in South Africa to close their businesses and avoid public gatherings as violent anti-foreigner protests erupted in several provinces. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) specifically flagged April 27–29 as high-risk days, citing intelligence that foreign-owned shops remain “soft targets” for demonstrators.

The violence, which broke out in Cape Town, Durban, and East London, saw looters target Nigerian-owned stores and other foreign businesses. While no Nigerian casualties have been confirmed, property damage has been extensive. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is coordinating with South African authorities to protect affected citizens.

This marks the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals particularly Africans from other countries have faced repeated violence over economic frustrations. Nigerian officials have urged calm but warned citizens to remain vigilant as the situation develops.