NiDCOM warns Nigerians in South Africa over rising violence

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious due to the growing unrest and anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country

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In a statement issued on Friday, the commission asked citizens to adhere to the instructions outlined in the travel advisory issued by the Nigerian embassy in South Africa.

The advisory warned of violent demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal city, as well as planned protests in Gauteng Province, between Monday and Wednesday.

Concern over xenophobic violence heightened as videos of hostility towards African migrants circulated online. Some South Africans were seen holding sticks as they chased and beat Black foreigners, telling them to leave their countries.

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The South Africans described themselves as an anti-immigration task force as they attacked and assaulted others.

In one incident, about three South Africans were seen punching a Ghanaian man in the face and head during a protest after discovering he was Ghanaian.

A woman identified as the leader of the group said, “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,” she added.

According to the NiDCOM, the protest is likely to turn more violent and could lead to lootings, riots, and property damage.

NiDCOM urged Nigerians to avoid any confrontation with protesters.

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It also asked citizens in the country to engage with demonstration groups and monitor local media outlets for real-time safety information.

“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.