The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued a warning to Nigerians on the “escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations” in faraway South Africa.
The warning was contained in a Press Statement on Friday 24 April, 2026 signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head: Media, a public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM Abuja.
NiDCOM warned Nigerians to adhere to advisory issued by the consulate general on the issue.
The Commission said, intelligence noted in a circular released by the Consulate revealed, more protests are expected to take place “between April 27-29, 2026”.
The circular further revealed, the protesters intend to force the government of South Africa over the presence of foreigners in the country.
Protests in some parts of the country have turned violent, resulting to “looting, property damage, and injuries”.
The Press Statement titled ‘S/AFRICA UNREST: NiDCOM urges Nigerians to be cautious’ reads: “The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to adhere to the advisory issued by the consulate general, warning of escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations across the country.
“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.
“In response to the above, NiDCOM is advising all Nigerian citizens to avoid any confrontation with protesters, refrain from engaging with demonstration groups, and monitor local media outlets for real-time safety information.
“Nigerian nationals are urged also, to remain law-abiding always.
“It was further advised that Nigerian business owners were warned to protect their businesses by closing on Freedom Day, April 27, and to consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during unrest.”
The statement made known, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State Foreign Affairs is engaging with the Foreign Affairs Minister in South Africa.
