Nigeria Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks on South Africans

Mon Jun 01 2026 15:38:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Nigeria’s police urge restraint amid tensions triggered by anti‑immigration protests in South Africa, promising heightened security around foreign missions and warning against targeting South‑African nationals.

Following a surge of anti‑migrant demonstrations in South Africa, Nigerian authorities have cautioned citizens to avoid reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses or diplomatic facilities. Police have reinforced security and called for calm, underscoring that violence would only fuel further crises.

Nigeria Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks on South Africans

June 1, 2026 – 06:02 EST

Police in Nigeria have issued a formal warning against retaliatory attacks targeting South African citizens, businesses or diplomatic missions following an upsurge of anti‑immigrant protests in South Africa.

In a post on the X platform, senior police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa stressed the need for calm, stating that “As an institution dedicated to protecting Nigerian lives, we understand these concerns deeply.” He also confirmed that the matter is being addressed “at the highest levels” of the government.

The Nigerian police have outlined that any attempt to target South‑African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act. Measures taken include additional security around foreign missions, key infrastructure and other sensitive locations.

South African protests, spearheaded by the group March and March, have called for stricter immigration enforcement and urged undocumented migrants to leave the country by June 30. The demonstrations, which accused undocumented migrants of straining public services and contributing to crime, have heightened tensions across Africa.

Previous incidents of xenophobic violence in South Africa have drawn diplomatic tensions, with retaliatory attacks in Nigeria resulting in vandalism and looting of South‑African‑owned businesses. In response, several African countries have advised their citizens to remain vigilant; for instance, Ghana recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals.

The South African police have not confirmed any attacks on foreigners, but the government has condemned “criminal acts” directed at foreign nationals.

The Nigerian Police Force’s statement emphasises that violence will not protect Nigerians abroad and “will only create additional crises.” This stance underscores a broader push for diplomatic engagement rather than escalation.