NiDCOM Alerts Nigerians In South Africa Over Rising Anti-foreigner Protests

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution amid growing unrest and anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.

In its latest statement, the Commission advised citizens to strictly adhere to safety guidelines outlined in a travel advisory released by the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa.

The advisory warned of violent demonstrations already recorded in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with additional protests planned in Gauteng Province between Monday and Wednesday.

Concerns over xenophobic violence have intensified following the circulation of videos online showing hostility towards African migrants. In some of the footage, groups of South Africans were seen wielding sticks as they chased and assaulted Black foreigners, ordering them to leave the country.

The attackers identified themselves as an anti-immigration task force. In one incident, about three South Africans were seen punching a Ghanaian man in the face and head after discovering his nationality during a protest.

A woman identified as the leader of the group defended the actions, saying, “We are trying to fix this continent. This idea of people moving from one country to another will no longer work. We are tired of African migrants who refuse to fix their own countries.

“Now we are making it clear that we do not want you here. You should go back and fix your countries. You come into South Africa as visitors and then decide to integrate with us, yet we cannot go to Ghana and do what you are doing here.”

NiDCOM warned that the protests could escalate further, potentially leading to looting, riots, and widespread property damage.

“Following an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I) dated April 22, 2026, demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, property damage, and injuries.

“According to intelligence noted in the Consulate’s circular, further protests are scheduled to happen in the Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026, with demonstrators intending to apply pressure on the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.”

The Commission advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations with protesters, remain vigilant, and stay updated through credible local media channels for real-time safety information.