The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians living in South Africa, urging extreme caution amid rising unrest and a surge in anti-foreigner protests across key cities.
In a statement released Friday, the commission advised citizens to strictly follow safety guidelines outlined by the Nigerian mission, as tensions continue to spiral. According to the advisory, violent demonstrations have already erupted in East London, Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with more protests planned in Gauteng Province between Monday and Wednesday.
Fears of widespread xenophobic violence intensified after disturbing videos surfaced online showing mobs targeting African migrants. In one clip, individuals armed with sticks were seen chasing and assaulting Black foreigners, ordering them to leave the country.
In a particularly troubling incident, a Ghanaian man was reportedly attacked by a group of protesters after his nationality was identified. Witnesses said he was repeatedly punched in the face and head during the chaos.
A woman believed to be leading one of the protest groups declared, “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.”
“The South Africans described themselves as an anti-immigration task force as they attacked and assaulted others. 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,” she added.
NiDCOM warned that the situation could deteriorate further, with risks of looting, riots, and destruction of property already evident. Nigerians have been strongly advised to avoid confrontations and steer clear of protest areas while staying updated through local media.
“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 27-29, 2026, with demonstrators intending to apply pressure on the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals,” the statement read.
