Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has warned that anti-migrant violence targeting African nationals in South Africa has not subsided, despite repeated assurances from authorities in Pretoria that the situation is under control.
Speaking during a media briefing, Tuggar said reports received by the Nigerian government indicate that vigilante groups continue to carry out door-to-door raids in parts of South Africa in search of foreign nationals, while anti-immigration demonstrations held every Thursday have persisted, fueling fear among migrant communities. (thecable.ng)
“The situation is not easing as some have suggested,” the minister said, noting that Nigerians and other African migrants remain vulnerable to intimidation, harassment and attacks in affected communities. (thecable.ng)
According to Tuggar, groups involved in the anti-migrant campaign have reportedly intensified neighborhood patrols, conducting house-to-house searches to identify undocumented foreigners and pressure them to leave. He said the activities have created an atmosphere of insecurity for many law-abiding migrants living and working in the country. (premiumtimesng.com)
The minister also pointed to the continuation of weekly Thursday marches organized by anti-immigration activists, saying the demonstrations have sustained tensions despite appeals for calm from both governments.
Nigeria has urged South African authorities to strengthen protection for foreign nationals, enforce the rule of law and ensure that grievances over migration are addressed through legal processes rather than vigilante action. Tuggar emphasized that no individual or group should be allowed to take the law into their own hands. (thecable.ng)
The warning comes after South African officials sought to reassure regional partners that law enforcement agencies were responding to incidents linked to anti-migrant protests. However, Nigerian officials maintain that reports from affected communities suggest the violence and intimidation remain widespread.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to monitor developments and provide consular assistance where necessary. Nigerians living in South Africa have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid areas where protests are taking place and promptly report threats or attacks to local authorities and Nigerian diplomatic missions.
Nigeria and South Africa enjoy extensive diplomatic and economic ties and are among Africa’s largest economies. However, periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have strained relations over the years, with Nigerian-owned businesses frequently among those targeted during previous waves of unrest.
Successive Nigerian governments have repeatedly called on South Africa to tackle the root causes of xenophobic attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, arguing that protecting the lives and property of foreign nationals is essential to preserving bilateral relations and regional solidarity.
As concerns mount over the latest incidents, Abuja says it will continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while closely monitoring the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
