The Nigerian government has issued an urgent directive urging its citizens residing in South Africa to exercise extreme caution and prioritize their personal safety as a new wave of xenophobic attacks continues to gain momentum across the country.
Following a sharp rise in violent demonstrations and the looting of foreign-owned businesses in cities like Durban, Cape Town, and East London, Nigerian authorities are taking preemptive measures to protect their nationals ahead of further planned protests.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), alongside the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, has identified a significant risk period between April 27 and April 29, 2026.
NiDCOM said it received intelligence reports that anti-immigrant groups are organizing further demonstrations targeting the presence of foreign nationals, with specific actions planned for Freedom Day (April 27).
In response to the potential for unrest during this timeframe, officials are strongly recommending that the Nigerian community implement a voluntary lockdown. “We are advising all Nigerian business owners to close their shops on April 27 and consider keeping them closed through April 29,” the commission stated amid the new wave of Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The commission advised Nigerians to refrain from engaging protest groups, avoid crowded areas, and monitor local media for real-time updates on the security situation.
NiDCOM also urged Nigerian business owners to close their shops on April 27, marked as Freedom Day, and consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targets during unrest.
The commission said it supports the position of Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, consul-general of Nigeria in Johannesburg, adding that the mission remains operational and is working with South African police authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
This advisory also comes as Ghana has formally summoned South Africa’s envoy following a wave of xenophobic attacks that targeted Ghanaian nationals.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, cited a recent incident in KwaZulu-Natal where a Ghanaian legally residing in the country was reportedly confronted and told to return home to “fix his country.”
In a statement issued late Thursday, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry warned of “escalating tensions,” advising its citizens in South Africa to remain indoors where necessary for their safety.
During a meeting with South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, Ablakwa expressed strong concern over what he described as unprovoked harassment of law-abiding individuals.
He stressed that such actions run counter to the spirit of African unity, recalling Ghana’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“Ghana remains committed to African solidarity, and such acts undermine the shared values that bind the continent,” the minister said.
