Nigeria Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks Over South Africa Anti-Migrant Tensions

Nigeria Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks Over South Africa Anti-Migrant Tensions

Police in Nigeria have warned citizens against carrying out reprisals targeting South African nationals or businesses following growing concerns linked to anti-migrant protests in South Africa and reports of attacks involving Nigerians.

The warning came after a meeting involving Nigerian security and intelligence chiefs. Authorities called for restraint and urged the public not to take the law into their own hands despite concerns raised about Nigerians living in South Africa.

Nigerian police said they understood public concern following reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. However, authorities did not provide details of any confirmed incidents. South African police have also not confirmed attacks against foreign nationals.

South Africa’s government has nevertheless condemned what it described as criminal acts directed at foreign nationals as tensions continue to rise in parts of the country over immigration-related concerns.

In recent weeks, demonstrations have taken place in South Africa calling for stronger action against undocumented migrants. Protesters argue that undocumented migration is placing pressure on public services and contributing to crime and have urged the government to tighten immigration enforcement measures.

The demonstrations have been organised by a movement known as March and March, which says its campaign is focused on immigration reform. The group has called on undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by 30 June.

Several African countries have responded by advising citizens in South Africa to remain alert. Ghana recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals, citing concerns over safety amid the heightened tensions.

In a statement shared on X by senior police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa, Nigerian police acknowledged public frustration but urged calm. “We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad,” the statement said.

Police said retaliation would not improve the safety of Nigerians outside the country and warned that further violence could create additional problems. Authorities added that the issue was being handled by the Nigerian government at the highest levels.

The Nigerian police also announced that additional security measures had been introduced around foreign missions, critical infrastructure and other sensitive locations. They warned that any attempt to target South African citizens, diplomatic facilities, businesses or lawful interests within Nigeria would be treated as a criminal offence.

The warning comes against the background of previous episodes of xenophobic violence in South Africa that led to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Earlier incidents also triggered retaliatory attacks in Nigeria where some South African-owned businesses were vandalised and looted.

Authorities in both countries continue to monitor developments as concerns remain over the impact of immigration tensions on public safety and diplomatic relations across the region.