The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, following a renewed wave of anti-foreign protests and violent incidents across parts of the country.
The advisory comes after an official circular from the Consulate General (Ref No: CGJHB/AD/209/VOL I), dated April 22, 2026, which reported that recent demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and sections of KwaZulu-Natal had turned violent. The unrest reportedly led to widespread looting, destruction of property, and injuries to residents and business owners.
According to NiDCOM, intelligence from the consulate warns that further protests are expected between April 27 and 29, 2026, particularly in Gauteng Province. The planned demonstrations are linked to growing tensions over the presence of foreign nationals in South Africa.
In response, NiDCOM urged Nigerians to remain cautious, avoid areas of protest, and steer clear of any confrontation with demonstrators. Citizens were also advised to closely monitor local media for real-time updates and to comply fully with local laws and regulations.
The commission further issued a precautionary advisory to Nigerian entrepreneurs, recommending temporary closure of businesses during the peak protest period to reduce exposure to risk. It specifically noted that Freedom Day, April 27, along with April 28 and 29, may present heightened danger for foreign-owned businesses, which are often targeted during such unrest.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its coordination with the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, stating that the mission remains fully operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to ensure the safety of Nigerian nationals. The commission also confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement, as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is in talks with her South African counterpart over the situation.
The latest tensions follow earlier protests in East London linked to the coronation of a traditional leader by members of Nigeria’s Igbo community. That event reportedly triggered backlash from some local groups, escalating into attacks on foreign nationals and damage to businesses.
In recent weeks, several disturbing videos have circulated online showing confrontations, harassment, and assaults targeting African immigrants in different parts of South Africa. In some cases, individuals were accused of overstaying or misusing documents, while others were simply told to leave the country due to worsening economic frustrations among locals.
One widely shared clip shows a Ghanaian national being confronted and accused of wrongdoing, while another captures a case of mistaken identity where a South African man was attacked after being wrongly identified as a foreigner. Additional footage also shows heated exchanges in public spaces, including hospitals, where some individuals demanded that foreign nationals vacate premises.
As public anger grows in certain communities, residents in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, are also reportedly preparing to stage protests over unemployment concerns and the perceived competition for scarce resources involving foreign nationals.
NiDCOM has reiterated its call for calm, urging Nigerians in South Africa to prioritise personal safety, remain vigilant, and avoid unnecessary movement during this period of heightened tension.
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