The Nigerian government has called for calm and restraint amid growing concerns over anti-migrant protests in South Africa, warning citizens not to target South African nationals or businesses in retaliation for reports of hostility towards migrants.
The warning was issued by the Nigeria Police Force following a meeting of security and intelligence officials to assess the situation involving Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Although no confirmed attacks specifically targeting Nigerians have been officially reported, tensions have risen in recent weeks as anti-migrant demonstrations spread across several South African communities. Protest groups have accused undocumented migrants of contributing to crime, unemployment, and pressure on public services.
The Nigerian police stressed that citizens should not take the law into their own hands, regardless of reports circulating on social media and other platforms.
Speaking on behalf of the police, senior spokesperson Aliyu Giwa acknowledged the concern many Nigerians feel about the situation.
“We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad,” Giwa said in a statement shared on social media.
“As an institution dedicated to protecting Nigerian lives, we understand these concerns deeply,” he added.
However, he urged Nigerians to respond peacefully and responsibly.
“This is a time for calm and restraint,” Giwa said, warning that any retaliatory violence would not help Nigerians living abroad and could instead create additional security problems.
The appeal comes as South Africa continues to experience growing tensions over migration. In recent months, citizen-led groups have organized demonstrations demanding stronger action against undocumented migrants and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
While the South African Police Service has not confirmed attacks specifically targeting foreign nationals, the South African government has condemned criminal acts directed at migrants and has pledged to maintain public order.
The situation has attracted attention across Africa, with several governments advising their citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant. Earlier, Ghana announced plans to assist hundreds of its nationals who wished to return home due to safety concerns and uncertainties surrounding their immigration status.
Migration and xenophobia have remained sensitive issues in South Africa for many years. Previous outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence have resulted in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of people, prompting concerns that current tensions could escalate if not carefully managed.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties and are widely regarded as two of Africa’s most influential nations. Both governments have previously worked together to address tensions involving their citizens and to prevent disputes from affecting broader relations between the countries.
Analysts say calls for restraint from Nigerian authorities are aimed at preventing isolated incidents from developing into wider diplomatic or community conflicts.
As concerns continue over the safety of migrants in parts of South Africa, authorities in both countries are urging citizens to reject violence, respect the rule of law, and support peaceful efforts to address migration-related challenges.
The latest warning highlights the importance of maintaining calm during periods of heightened tension and ensuring that concerns over migration do not lead to retaliatory actions that could further endanger lives and strain relations between African nations.