Nigeria police warn against reprisal attacks against South Africans

Police in Nigeria have warned against reprisals targeting South African nationals or businesses following a wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa.

The police urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands, after "reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa". No such attacks have been reported but the warning followed a meeting of security and intelligence chiefs.

South African police have not confirmed any attacks on foreigners, although the government has condemned "criminal acts" directed at foreign nationals.

Tensions have been rising in South Africa in recent weeks following demonstrations calling for tougher action against undocumented migrants.

Several African countries have advised their citizens to remain vigilant, with Ghana recently evacuating hundreds of its nationals , citing safety concerns.

"We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad," Aliyu Giwa, a senior police spokesperson, said in a post on X .

"As an institution dedicated to protecting Nigerian lives, we understand these concerns deeply," he noted.

"However, this is a time for calm and restraint," he said, adding that violence would not protect Nigerians abroad and "would only create additional crises".