Nigerian Police Warn Against Attacks on South Africans Amid Anti-Migrant Protests
The Nigerian police have issued a directive urging citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands by targeting South African interests, even as no verified attacks on Nigerians in South Africa have been reported. This cautionary statement emerged after a high-level meeting of security and intelligence chiefs in Nigeria.
South African authorities have not corroborated any assaults on foreign nationals, although the government there has condemned "criminal acts" directed at migrants. These developments unfold amidst escalating anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, evidenced by recent protests demanding more stringent measures against undocumented individuals.
Several African nations have advised their citizens to exercise caution, with Ghana having previously repatriated hundreds of its nationals citing safety concerns.
Senior police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa stated that while the police "recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad," this period demands "calm and restraint." Giwa emphasised that violent reprisals would not safeguard Nigerians overseas but would instead "create additional crises." He confirmed that the Nigerian government is addressing the situation "at the highest levels."
The Nigerian police force has implemented enhanced security protocols around foreign diplomatic missions, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive locations. They declared that "any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act."
Protesters in South Africa, organised by the group March and March, accuse undocumented migrants of straining public services and contributing to crime. They advocate for immigration reform and have called for undocumented migrants to leave the country by 30 June. Past instances of xenophobic violence in South Africa have previously led to diplomatic friction and retaliatory actions in Nigeria, resulting in vandalism and looting of some South African-owned businesses.
