The Nigeria Police Force has issued an urgent warning against reprisal attacks on South African nationals and businesses. This comes after days of violent clashes that have left several dead and properties destroyed. The police, in a statement from Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba, said they would deploy 'overwhelming force' to protect foreign nationals and critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission has advised UK dual nationals to 'avoid volatile areas' and 'exercise extreme caution.' The advisory, updated this morning, cites 'credible intelligence' of planned reprisal attacks. This is a significant escalation of the travel advice. It suggests the UK government believes the violence could spread.
The roots of this crisis lie in a dispute over a trading centre in Abuja. But the narrative has shifted. It is now about national pride, diaspora politics, and diplomatic tension between Africa's two largest economies.
Inside the Nigerian government, sources say there is deep concern about the situation spiralling out of control. The presidency has been in crisis talks with security chiefs. But the messaging has been inconsistent. The foreign ministry initially downplayed the attacks. Now it is scrambling to coordinate a response.
South Africa has already closed its Lagos consulate. Nigeria's foreign minister has summoned the South African high commissioner. The diplomatic temperature is rising.
For now, the priority is containment. But this is a dangerous moment. The police are out in force in Lagos and Abuja. UK dual nationals are being told to stay indoors. The question is whether the warnings will be enough.
